Citation

Bosker J, Witteman C, Hermanns J, Heij D. Int. J. Offender Ther. Comp. Criminol. 2014; 59(13): 1459-1473.

Affiliation

University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0306624X14539127

PMID

24927740

Abstract

Reliability in decision making about intervention plans is a necessary condition for evidence-based probation work and equal treatment of offenders. Structuring decision making can improve agreement between clinical decision makers. In a former study however, we found that in Dutch probation practice structured risk and needs assessment did not result in acceptable agreement about intervention plans. The Dutch probation services subsequently introduced a tool for support in decision making on intervention plans. This article addresses the question whether the use of this tool results in better agreement between probation officers. A significant and meaningful improvement in agreement was found on all domains of the intervention plan. Implications for probation practice are discussed.

Language: en