Cécile Mathys, Nadège Brassine, Geneviève Parent
Risk assessment is a priority in many juvenile justice systems. We examine the present methods available for evidence-based assessment of justice-involved youths, demonstrating their focus on risk factors, and then outline a strengths-based approach, including a discussion of conceptual and methodological challenges in the evaluation of the positive aspects of justice-involved youths. The advantages of the first structured assessment instrument to focus on the strengths of justice-involved youths – the Strengths/Structured Assessment for Youth (S/SAY) – are then explored through analysis of a case study. The implications for the use of the S/SAY in evaluation and intervention with justice-involved youths are discussed, particularly its ability to provide more accurate assessment and encourage intervention. The importance of obtaining a balanced understanding of both strengths and risk factors is emphasized.