According to the Washington State Juvenile Pre-Assessment, Xander's social risk factor is moderate. His gang associations lower his score. The combination of criminal and social history warrants a moderate risk factor for this individual.

Missouri Juvenile Court Assessment

Xander's risk score as computed by the Missouri Juvenile Court Assessment is moderate, at 7.

2. What additional information could have been used

The case study reports yield insufficient information about both individuals. For example, no information is offered about Colleen's current school status or her relationship with peers. Neither individual's case study shows any prior assessment by psychologists or diagnoses of learning or physical disabilities. Interview data with either client is also missing; it would be helpful to have some more qualitative information that would present the courts with a fuller picture of the two individuals in question. For example, how do they feel about their crimes? How do they perceive their future and their role in society? How involved have they been in the past with school and other social activities?

Xander's school history is tacitly mentioned, because he did drop out and intends to obtain his G.E.D. However, no prior school history is offered, such as how Xander did in school prior to his legal problems, what his teachers thought of him, whether he was involved in extracurricular activities, and how he got along with peers.

Little detail is offered about the individuals' legal histories as well such as possible warrants or the presence of misdemeanor crimes on their records. No information is given about the two individuals' prior employment history. Therefore, scoring for both these juvenile offenders will not be completely accurate.

3. What potential correctional strategy is recommended for the individuals

The key to helping Colleen M. And Xander L....

Both individuals should be eligible for prevention, education, and intervention services as outlined in the Missouri Juvenile Pre-Assessment survey instrument. Because Xander has expressed interest in the G.E.D. this will certainly be a core area of interest for him. Colleen M. must undergo further evaluation by qualified professionals because it is unclear about her academic history and her academic ambitions.
Both individuals also need to be evaluated further by psychologists to determine whether or not mental illness will be a factor in their correctional strategies. It is recommended that both individuals undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Colleen M. might especially be eligible for foster care services, as her mother is in a drug treatment facility. Colleen M. has only been convicted of one violent offense, although the presence of opiates in the drug test and the individual's predilection for lying are causes for concern.