Discuss the concept of early identification as it relates to at-risk youth. Why is early identification important? Also, discuss the three instruments/models, discussed in this chapter, that are used to identify and assess which youths are at increased risk for maltreatment. What is the focus of each instrument/model?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Early identification of at-risk youth is important because it is thought that by
circumventing maltreatment and its impact on youths, that pathway from victimization to
delinquency can be minimized. A number of epidemiological studies have shown
evidence of that very phenomenon. Hence the need to identify those youths who are at
greater risk of maltreatment as early as possible. Three instruments/models are
presented in the chapter. The first is the Family Assessment Approach, a model
designed for use in families with unsubstantiated maltreatment, but pose high risks for
maltreatment in the future. This approach utilizes family and community resources in
devising a strengths-focused plan on eliminating conditions that put youths at risk at
home. The second instrument/model is the Structured Decision-Making model. This
model is a set of assessment tools that identify key decision points with the child
protection agency cases and provides intervention directives. Areas of assessment
include response priority, safety, risk factors, and family strengths and needs. The final
approach is the CIVITAS/CCCC Core Assessment. This model assesses the same
domains as the Structured Decision-Making Model, including medical needs, family,
social areas, life history of trauma, emotional difficulties, and academic/cognitive
challenges, and provides risk and intervention directives.