A new juvenile probation research study validated Nebraska probation’s assessment tool. The assessment tool, named “Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory,” emphasizes the importance of tailoring treatment and supervision to meet the needs of individual youth on probation. Accurate use of this evidence-based assessment tool provides direction for behavior change, making youth less likely to return to the court system.

In a report published in October 2017, Dr. Richard Wiener and his team from the University of Nebraska Law Psychology Program “found strong evidence for the validity of the instrument as Nebraska Probation currently uses the tool with juveniles in the system.” The study also noted that the level of validity was comparable to similar studies nationwide. Researchers strongly endorsed the continued use of the evaluation tool for Nebraska probation youth.

Recognizing that assessing a youth’s risk for delinquent behavior is critical to creating a successful rehabilitative plan, Nebraska Probation began using the “Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory” in 2008 to assess the risk of youth placed on probation. As part of its commitment to evidence-based practices, Probation partnered with the University of Nebraska/Law Psychology Program to validate the predictive accuracy of the assessment.

The findings of the study provide confidence in Probation’s use of the tool as a reliable way to assess a youth’s individual delinquency risk factors and a guide effective case management. 

The validation study was made possible in part with federal funds awarded through the Nebraska Crime Commission.

For questions, please contact Amy Latshaw at 402-471-4894 or amy.latshaw@nebraska.gov.

Read full evaluation: Predictive Validity of the YLS/CMI as Administered in Nebraska Probation https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/final-yls-cmi-validation-report.pdf.