The Juvenile Pretrial Test (JPT) establishes juvenile risk and needs at the pretrial stage of the justice system. The Juvenile Pretrial Test (JPT) identifies criminogenic needs, authenticates their severity and recommends graduated sanctions according to problem severity. Score-related recommendations include appropriate levels of supervision and treatment, when warranted. Counseling and treatment recommendations are ASAM compatible. The Juvenile Pretrial Test (JPT) offers demonstrated reliability, validity, and accuracy. Additional research can be provided upon request. Test administration takes 30 minutes, and reports are printed within 2½ minutes after data entry on-site.

 

Description

The Juvenile Pretrial Test (JPT) is an automated (computer-scored) juvenile assessment instrument or test. It consists of 140 items and takes 25 to 30 minutes to complete. The Juvenile Pretrial Test (JPT) contains 7 measures (scales): 1. Truthfulness (Validity) Scale, 2. Alcohol Severity Scale, 3. Drugs Severity Scale, 4. Violence (Lethality) Scale, 5. Distress Scale, 6. Adjustment Scale and 7. Stress Quotient Scale.

The JPT evolved from the ACDI-Corrections Version II. Score-generated recommendations have been modified for pretrial use. The JPT has been standardized on the juvenile defendant population. Some of this research is presented in this website.

Seven Scales (Measures)

The seven Juvenile Pretrial Test scales are described as follows:

1. Truthfulness (Validity) Scale: Measures the juvenile's truthfulness while completing the test. It identifies denial, guardedness, problem minimization and faking. The Truthfulness Scale detects faking good.
    
2. Alcohol Severity Scale: Measures alcohol use, the severity of abuse and the presence of alcohol-related problems. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquors.
    
3. Drugs Severity Scale: Measures illicit drug use and abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana (pot), crack, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin. This scale is independent of the Alcohol Severity Scale described above.
    
4. Violence (Lethality) Scale: Measures the use of force to injure, damage or destroy. This scale identifies the youth's danger to self and others. Recent adolescent violence concerns contributed to the inclusion of this scale.
    
5. Distress Scale: Measures strain imposed by pain, worry, anxiety, depression, physical torment or suffering. Distress is the most common reason for juveniles to seek counseling.
    
6. Adjustment Scale: Measures the youth's ability to adapt, conform and function. This scale recognizes personal and social stressors at home, school and in authority relationships. It incorporates personal and social forces involved in adapting to one's environment.
    
7. Stress Quotient Scale: Measures the youth's ability to cope with stress, anxiety and pressure. Stress exacerbates symptoms of emotional and mental health problems. This scale is a non-introversive way to screen for the presence of established emotional and mental health problems.

"Provides a Sound Empirical Basis for Decisions"

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Why use the Juvenile Pretrial Test? While adult crime rates have recently fallen across the U.S., they have risen among the nation's youths. For example, as the adult arrest rate for murder fell from 1978 to 1993, the juvenile murder rate rose by 77%. And, at the same time, the arrest rate of youths for all violent crimes climbed 79%. These statistics underscore the need for meaningful and accurate juvenile assessment. Early detection of troubled youths' problems facilitates quicker intervention and treatment.

This type of information also helps in deciding upon counseling, treatment, probation, levels of supervision and incarceration alternatives. The Juvenile Pretrial Test is designed to meet these needs. It is much more than just another alcohol or drug test. The JPT's seven scales (measures) acquire important information missed by other tests.

At one sitting of approximately 30 minutes' duration, staff can acquire a vast amount of juvenile-related information, which includes attitudes, substance abuse involvement, acting out (violence) propensity, perceived distress and coping behaviors. Early problem identification facilitates timely intervention and improved treatment results.

"Appropriate for Misdemeanor and Felony Offenders"

Advantages of Screening

Screening or assessment instruments filter out individuals with serious problems that may require referral for a more comprehensive evaluation and/or treatment. This filtering system works as follows:

Reference to the above risk range table shows that a problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70^th percentile or higher. These risk range percentiles are based upon the thousands of troubled youths that have taken the Juvenile Pretrial Test. This procedure is eminently fair, and it avoids extremes, i.e., over-identification and under-identification of problems and risk.

A state, department, juvenile court, family and juvenile drug court or agency's policy might refer clients with identified problems for further evaluation, intervention or treatment. In this case, 31% of the youths screened (Problem Risk and Severe Problem) would be referred. Or, policy might only refer clients with serious problems (Severe Problem, 11%) for additional services. In these examples, 69% or 89% (contingent upon adopted policy) of the people screened would not be referred for additional (and expensive) services.

Budgetary savings (dollars) would be large with no compromises in needy youths receiving appropriate evaluation and/or treatment services. Indeed, more needy youths would receive help. Without a screening program, there is usually more risk of over or under-utilization of additional professional services.

The Juvenile Pretrial Test scales identify the areas they screen. And, these scales (measures) are: 1. Truthfulness (Validity) Scale, 2. Alcohol Severity Scale, 3. Drugs Severity Scale, 4. Violence (Lethality) Scale, 5. Distress Scale, 6. Adjustment Scale and 7. Stress Quotient Scale.

Test Booklets

Juvenile Pretrial Test test booklets are provided free. These booklets contain 140 items (true/false and multiple choice) and are written at a 5^th to 6^th grade reading level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the Juvenile Pretrial Test. It takes on average 25 to 30 minutes to complete this test. Test booklets are available in English and Spanish.

Reports

In brief, Juvenile Pretrial Test reports summarize the youth's self-reported history, explain what attained scale scores mean and offer specific score-related recommendations. An example report is presented at the end of this webpage.

To go directly to the example JPT report, click on the Example JPT Report link.

Within 2½ minutes of test data entry, automated (computer-scored) 4-page reports are printed on-site. These reports summarize a lot of information in an easily understood format.

For example, these reports include a JPT profile (graph), which summarizes troubled youth findings at a glance. Also included are attained scale scores, an explanation of what each score means and specific score-related recommendations. In addition, significant items (direct admissions) are highlighted, and answers to a built-in interview (last sequence of multiple choice items) are presented. Emphasis is placed on having meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood. To review a JPT report, click on the Example JPT Report link.

Software

The Juvenile Pretrial Test is available on Windows diskettes. Windows diskettes require a one-time computer setup procedure after which JPT data diskettes are used to score and print reports. Training manuals are provided, and new test users can be walked through these scoring procedures over Behavior Data Systems, Ltd.'s (BDS) telephone line.

Proprietary Juvenile Pretrial Test diskettes (JPT) contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½" diskettes score, interpret and print reports on-site. Once a Juvenile Pretrial Test account is established, ordered diskettes are filled and mailed to users. Approximately 97% of orders are filled and mailed back to users the same day. When all test applications are used, diskettes are returned to Behavior Data Systems where the demographics (age, gender, and ethnicity) and test data are downloaded into the JPT's database for subsequent database analysis. The proprietary "delete names" program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to delete all juvenile names from diskettes before they are returned to Behavior Data Systems. Deleting all juvenile names insures protection of each youth's confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

The "Juvenile Pretrial Test: Orientation and Training Manual" explains how the JPT system works and should be read by staff. The "JPT: Computer Operating Guide" explains how to score tests, print or store reports and discusses other unique Juvenile Pretrial Test computer-related features.

Database

The Juvenile Pretrial Test (JPT) system contains a proprietary built-in database. Earlier, it was noted that all JPT used diskettes are returned to Behavior Data Systems, and the test data is downloaded into the JPT database. This expanding database allows ongoing research and test program summary features that were not available before. Ongoing research insures quality control. Testing program summaries provide for program self-evaluation.

Built-in database. The JPT permits ongoing research and annual program summary -- at no additional cost. As discussed earlier, when the 25 or 50-test diskettes are used, that diskette is returned to Behavior Data Systems, checked for viruses and downloaded into the expanding JPT database. Advantages of this proprietary database are many and include database (research) analysis and annual testing program summary reports.

No personal information, names, social security numbers, etc. are ever downloaded into any test database.

Returned diskettes can be summarized on a state, department or agency basis -- at no additional cost to users. Annual summary reports provide information that permit testing program review. To review an annual report, click on the Annual Summary Report link.

After downloading test data returned diskettes are destroyed.

In summary, having all returned Juvenile Pretrial Test tests' data centrally filed at Behavior Data Systems' offices in the JPT database has many advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that includes scale alpha coefficients, ANOVA, frequency distributions, correlations, cross-tab statistics along with reliability, validity and accuracy determinations.

Annual Summary Reports

Behavior Data Systems can access each of its tests' built-in databases for statistical analysis and summarization of all tests administered in a year. Annual Summary Reports are prepared for state, department, agency and even some individual providers -- at no cost to them. These reports are provided as a professional courtesy to large volume test users. Summary reports include demographics, court-history when relevant, and test statistics (reliability, validity and accuracy). Has anyone offered to summarize your testing program? Annually? At no additional cost to you? Minimum testing volume for annual reports is 350 tests. There is no maximum limit. Behavior Data Systems' annual reports range in size from 350 tests to over 55,000 tests annually. An example Annual Summary Report can be viewed by clicking on this Annual Summary Report link.

Reliability, Validity and Accuracy

The Juvenile Pretrial Test has a built-in proprietary database that insures inclusion of all administered tests in a confidential (no names) manner. Over 45,000 juveniles' test data are represented in the ACDI and Juvenile Pretrial Test database. These reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are reported in the document titled "JPT: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Annual database analysis demonstrates that Juvenile Pretrial Test scales have very high reliability coefficients with minimum interscale correlations.

For example, internal consistencies (coefficient alphas) for Juvenile Pretrial Test scales are reported in the following table for some troubled youths (N=2,180) screened in the year 2002. This is only one among several year 2002 samples.

"More Than Just Another Alcohol or Drug Test"

All JPT scales have alpha coefficients well above the professionally accepted standard of .75 and are highly reliable. All coefficient alphas are significant at the p<.001 level.

Juvenile Pretrial Test research extends over 12 years. Many studies have been conducted on thousands of juveniles using several validation methods. Early studies used criterion measures and were validated with other tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale and F-Scale, 16PF, Juvenile Profile, MMPI MacAndrews Scale, MMPI Psychopathic Deviate, MMPI Taylor Manifest Anxiety, MMPI Depression Scale, MMPI Manifest Hostility Scale, MMPI Delinquency Scale, MMPI Family Discord Scale, etc.

Much of this research is summarized in the document titled "JPT: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Subsequently, many discriminant and predictive validity database analysis based studies support JPT reliability, validity and accuracy. Juvenile Pretrial Test norms are based on over 45,000 juveniles (male and female).

These norms are updated annually for each JPT scale. And, separate norms are available for gender (male and female) and ethnicity (Caucasian, Black, Hispanic). This database research is ongoing.

Fairness goes beyond reliability and validity. The term applies to test accuracy for demographic groups like age, gender and ethnicity. JPT scale scoring equations are adjusted, as warranted, on an annual basis to insure fairness.

Staff Member Input: The Juvenile Pretrial Test is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, juvenile court and adjustment records should be reviewed, as they can contain important information not provided or incorrectly provided by the juvenile. Experienced staff should also interview the client. For these reasons, the following statement is contained on each JPT report: "Juvenile Pretrial Test results are confidential and should be considered working hypotheses. No decision should be based solely upon these results. The Juvenile Pretrial Test is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment." Space is also provided in Juvenile Pretrial Test reports for staff input.

Unique Features

Truthfulness (Validity) Scale: Measures how truthful and open the juvenile was while completing the Juvenile Pretrial Test. This scale identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. Many troubled youths attempt to minimize their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is a necessary component in contemporary juvenile assessment. The Juvenile Pretrial Test Truthfulness Scale has been validated with other tests, truthfulness studies and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L and F-Scales. It consists of a number of items that most juveniles agree or disagree with. This important scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. Much of this normative research is reported in the document titled "JPT: An Inventory of Scientific Findings."

Truth-Corrected Scores: Have proven to be very important in enhancing assessment accuracy. This proprietary truth correction program is comparable to the MMPI K-Scale correction methodology. The Juvenile Pretrial Test Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the other six JPT scales. The Truth Correction equation then converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores. Raw scores reflect what the juvenile wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the juvenile is trying to hide.

"Includes a Violence (Lethality) Scale"

Violence (Lethality) Scale: Measures the juvenile's propensity for using force to injure, damage or destroy. It identifies the youth's danger to self and others. The burgeoning awareness of adolescent violence (lethality) in our society resulted in the inclusion of the Violence Scale in the Juvenile Pretrial Test. When screening violence or lethality potential is important, we recommend you use the Juvenile Pretrial Test.

Distress Scale: Measures the youth's experienced pain, suffering, anxiety and depression. The blending of symptom clusters is clear in the definition of dysphoria, i.e., a generalized feeling of anxiety, restlessness and depression. Distress incorporates unhappiness, dissatisfaction, worry apprehension, etc. The Distress Scale also incorporates items symptomatic of anxiety and depression. Distress has broad applicability in adjustment, intervention, counseling and outcome.

Stress Quotient Scale: Measures how well the juvenile handles stress, tension and pressure. This scale goes beyond establishing whether or not a juvenile is experiencing stress. It determines how well the youth handles or copes with stress. How well a person handles stress can effect their adjustment and mental health. Stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptomatology. Consequently, this scale is a non-introversive way to screen established (diagnosable) mental health problems. A juvenile scoring at or above the 90^th percentile on the Stress Quotient Scale should be referred for a more comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, as warranted. This important area of inquiry is missed by most other juvenile screening instruments.

More than just another alcohol or drug test. In addition to alcohol and drugs, the Juvenile Pretrial Test assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, violence (lethality), distress, adjustment and stress coping abilities. The Juvenile Pretrial Test is designed specifically for juvenile (male and female) assessment. It provides the information needed for understanding juvenile attitudes and behavior.

Three ways to give the JPT: The Juvenile Pretrial Test can be administered in three different ways: 1. Paper-pencil test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure. English and Spanish test booklets are available. 2. JPT tests can be given directly on the computer screen. Some youth offender programs dedicate computers for on-screen testing. And, 3. Human voice audio is available for English and Spanish speaking youths. This involves a computer and a headset. The juvenile uses the up-down arrow keys. As the juvenile goes from question to answer with the arrow key, that question or answer is highlighted on the monitor (screen) and simultaneously read to the juvenile. These three administration modes are discussed in the "JPT: Orientation and Training Manual." Each test administration mode has advantages and some limitations. Behavior Data Systems offers these three test administration modes so test users can select the administration mode that is optimally suited to their needs.

"Demonstrated Reliability, Validity and Accuracy"

Reading Impaired Assessment: Reading impaired juveniles represent 20+ percent of youths tested. This represents a serious problem to many other juvenile tests. In contrast, Behavior Data Systems has developed a proprietary alternative for reading impaired assessment, which is termed "human voice audio."

Human Voice Audio (in English or Spanish) helps resolve many reading, along with cultural difference, issues. Passive vocabularies are often greater than active vocabularies. Hearing items read often helps reduce both cultural and communication problems. As discussed earlier, "human voice audio" test presentation requires a computer, earphones and simple instructions regarding how to operate the up-down arrow keys located on the computer keyboard. Without this "human voice" option, a juvenile screening program could be limited.

Confidentiality: Behavior Data Systems encourages test users to delete juvenile names from diskettes before they are returned to Behavior Data Systems. This proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes. Once juvenile names are deleted, they are gone and cannot be retrieved. Deleting juvenile names does not delete demographics or test data, which is downloaded into the Juvenile Pretrial Test database for subsequent analysis. This procedure insures juvenile confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

Test Data Input Verification: This proprietary program allows the person that inputs the test data from the answer sheet into the computer to verify the accuracy of their data input. In brief, test data is input twice, and any inconsistencies between the first and second data entries are highlighted until corrected.

When the first and second data entries match or are the same, the staff person may continue. Use of this data entry verification procedure is optional, yet it is strongly recommended by Behavior Data Systems.

Inventory of Scientific Findings: Much of the Juvenile Pretrial Test research has been gathered together in one document titled "JPT: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This document summarizes JPT research chronologically -- as the studies were completed.

This rather innovative chronological reporting format was established largely because of the JPT database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests administered. It also allows the reader to observe the evolution of the Juvenile Pretrial Test into a state-of-the-art assessment test.

"Appropriate for Family and Juvenile Drug Courts"

Staff Training: Behavior Data Systems' staff are available to participate in Juvenile Pretrial Test training programs scheduled by test users in the United States. Courts, large departments/agencies or statewide programs often are interested in JPT staff training. Sometimes,  smaller agencies, courts or departments get together for a joint training session on the Juvenile Pretrial Test. This training can include hands-on computer scoring. Behavior Data Systems gives attendees certificates attesting to their Juvenile Pretrial Test training.

Staff training is also provided on Fridays at Behavior Data Systems' Phoenix offices from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. These training sessions are free. To participate, contact Behavior Data Systems at least ten days in advance. Participation is on a first call, first scheduled basis.

To review a Juvenile Pretrial Test Research Study, click on the Juvenile Pretrial Test Research Study link.

Free Examination Kit: A 2-test demonstration diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Demo diskettes are in Windows format. The Examination Kit includes a 2-test demo diskette, installation CD (with instructions), test booklet, answer sheet and some descriptive materials. Behavior Data Systems, Ltd. does want the test booklet and diskette returned within 30 days.

Test Unit Fee (JPT Cost): There is only the one cost or charge, and that is the test unit fee. Everything else is included in the test unit fee. The test unit fee encompasses test booklets, answer sheets, training manuals, upgrades, ongoing database research, annual test program summaries, staff training and support services. Do not be misled by some test publishers' à la carte pricing, which can entail separate costs for test administration, manuals, upgrades, research, support services, etc. Behavior Data Systems' test unit fee is very affordable.

Selecting a Juvenile Screening Instrument or Test

If you are selecting a juvenile assessment instrument, the following Comparison Checklist should prove helpful. This checklist itemizes important assessment and screening qualities. The "Other" column represents any other test you might want to compare to the Juvenile Pretrial Test.

Juvenile Pretrial Test Interpretation

An example Juvenile Pretrial Test report follows this discussion of scale interpretation. It is provided as a ready reference to augment this dialogue.

There are several levels of Juvenile Pretrial Test (JPT) interpretation ranging from viewing the JPT as a self-report to interpreting scale elevations and interrelationships.

The following table is a beginning point for interpreting JPT scores.

With reference to the above table, a problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70^th percentile or higher. Elevated scale scores refer to percentile scores that are at or above the 70^th percentile. Severe (serious) problems are identified by scale scores at or above the 90^th percentile. Severe problems represent the highest 11 percent of juveniles evaluated with the JPT. The JPT has been normed on over 45,000 troubled youths. And, this normative sample continues to expand with each JPT test that is administered.

Scale Interpretation

1. Truthfulness (Validity) Scale: Measures how truthful the juvenile was while completing the test. It identifies guarded and defensive youths who attempt to "fake good." Scores at or below the 89^th percentile mean that all JPT scales are accurate. Scores in the 70^th to 89^th percentile are accurate because they have been Truth-Corrected. Truthfulness Scale scores at or above the 90^th percentile mean that all JPT scales are inaccurate (invalid) because the juvenile was overly guarded and manifesting denial, read things into JPT test items that aren't there, was minimizing problems, or was caught faking answers. Youths with a reading impairment might also invalidate their tests with a Truthfulness Scale score in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range. The reason for invalidation can usually be determined with a few questions regarding the juvenile's schooling, reading ability and motivation. If not consciously deceptive, youths with elevated Truthfulness Scale scores are uncooperative, fail to understand test items or have a need to appear in a good light.

Truthfulness Scale scores at or below the 89^th percentile indicate that all other scale scores are accurate. When reviewing a JPT report, one of the first things to check is the Truthfulness Scale score. A Truthfulness Scale score at or above the 90^th percentile does not occur by chance.

2. Violence (Lethality) Scale: Measures the juvenile's propensity for using force to injure, damage or destroy. This scale identifies youths that are a danger to themselves and others. Violence is operationally defined as the expression of hostility and rage through physical force. Violence is aggression in its most extreme and unacceptable form. Elevated scorers are demanding, overly sensitive to perceived criticism and insightless about how they express their anger/hostility. They often have poor school records and feel emotionally isolated.

Severe Problem scorers are typically erratic, angry, easily provoked and dangerous. A particularly unstable and perilous situation exists when the youth manifests an elevated Violence Scale score in conjunction with an elevated Alcohol Severity Scale and/or Drugs Severity Scale score. Here, we have increased probability of acting-out behaviors combined with impaired judgment.

In combination with an elevated Violence Scale, an elevated Distress Scale score increases the probability of suicidal ideation. Elevated Adjustment Scale and/or Stress Quotient Scale scores in conjunction with an elevated Violence Scale score provide insight regarding co-determinants and possible treatment alternatives. The more of these scales that are elevated with the Violence Scale, the worse the prognosis. Elevated scale interrelationships are important when interpreting scale elevations. Any scale scores in the Severe Problem range should not be ignored, and this is especially true of the Violence Scale. The Violence Scale score can be interpreted independently or in combination with other JPT scales.

3. Alcohol Severity Scale: Measures alcohol use and/or abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquors. An elevated (70^th to 89^th percentile) Alcohol Severity Scale is indicative of an emerging drinking problem. An Alcohol Severity Scale score in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range identifies serious alcohol-related problems.

A history of alcohol-related arrests could result in an Alcohol Severity Scale score in the Low or Medium Risk range. To determine if the juvenile is a "recovering" alcoholic, JPT users should check items #57 (admission to drinking problem), #131 (self-description of drinking) and #133 (the "recovery" question). For reference, other items also could be checked (e.g., #15, 21, 33, 39, 51, 96, 132). Admissions to these items are printed on page 3 of the JPT report.

In conjunction with an elevated Alcohol Severity Scale, an elevated Violence Scale represents a dangerous combination, e.g., a violent predisposition with impaired judgment. When both the Alcohol and Drugs Severity Scales are elevated, the highest score usually represents the juvenile's substance of choice. When both are in the Severe Problem range, explore polysubstance abuse. An elevated Distress Scale with an elevated Alcohol Severity Scale could reflect emerging suicidal ideation or a frustration -- aggressive explosive acting out. A higher Alcohol Severity Scale score may be a focal issue; whereas, a higher Distress Scale might be indicative of a troubled youth's attempt to "self-medicate." An elevated Adjustment Scale in combination with an elevated Alcohol Severity Scale helps identify co-determinants. The amplitudes of an elevated Stress Quotient Scale score and an elevated Alcohol Severity Scale score are important. An elevated (70^th to 89^th percentile) Stress Quotient Scale score reflects impaired stress handling abilities, and drinking may be of an "escape-avoidance" nature; whereas, a score in the Severe Problem range suggests the presence of an identifiable (diagnosable) mental health disorder. In the latter case, drinking may be part of the psychopathology. In summary, the Alcohol Severity Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other Juvenile Pretrial Test scales.

4. Drugs Severity Scale: Measures illicit drug use and abuse. The Drugs Severity Scale measures the severity of drug abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana, crack, cocaine, ice, LSD, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin. This scale is independent of the Alcohol Severity Scale described above. An elevated (70^th to 89^th percentile) Drugs Severity Scale score is indicative of an emerging drug problem. Elevated Drugs Severity Scale scores do not happen by chance. A Drugs Severity Scale score in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range identifies severe drug-related problems.

A history of drug arrests could result in a Drugs Severity Scale score in the Low or Medium Risk range. To determine if the juvenile is a "recovering" drug abuser, JPT users should check items #29 (drug use admission), #78 (drug abuse problem) and #133 (the "recovery" question). For reference, other items could also be checked (e.g., #23, 85, 53, 91). Admissions to these items are printed on page 3 of the JPT report.

In intervention and treatment settings, the youth's Drugs Severity Scale score helps work through denial. And, an elevated Drugs Severity Scale score in conjunction with other elevated JPT scores magnifies the severity of the other elevated scores. For example, an elevated Violence Scale in conjunction with an elevated Drugs Severity Scale score identifies a very dangerous person. When both the Drugs and Alcohol Severity Scales are elevated, the higher score represents the youth's substance of choice. When both of these scores are in the Severe Problem range, polysubstance abuse is indicated.

An elevated Distress Scale in combination with an elevated Drugs Severity Scale reflects a troubled youth on the verge of being overwhelmed. The height of the Distress Scale is important, as scores in the Severe Problem range can be indicative of suicidal/homicidal ideation. As noted earlier with alcohol, an elevated Adjustment Scale in combination with an elevated Drugs Severity Scale helps identify co-determinants. And, the height of an elevated Stress Quotient Scale and an elevated Drugs Severity Scale scores is important. An elevated Stress Quotient Scale score reflects impaired stress coping abilities, and drug use may be experimental; whereas, a score in the Severe Problem range points to an identifiable (diagnosable) mental health disorder. In this case (Severe Problem), drug use/abuse is likely a part of the symptomatology. In summary, the Drugs Severity Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other Juvenile Pretrial Test scales. In most cases, a drug problem (elevated scale score) magnifies the risk associated with other elevated JPT scale scores.

5. Distress Scale: Measures the youth's pain, suffering, anxiety and depression. Distress incorporates unhappiness, dissatisfaction, worry and pain. Distress is the most common reason for juveniles to voluntarily seek counseling. Distress has broad applications in adjustment, intervention, counseling and outcome. And, it often serves as the beginning point in clinical inquiry. The magnitude (or severity) of the Distress Scale is important. Elevated scores indicate something is wrong. The youth is concerned, bothered and upset. Distress Scale scores in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range indicate the youth is hurting, on the verge of being overwhelmed and is becoming desperate.

A Severe Problem Distress Scale in conjunction with any other JPT scale in the Severe Problem range is a malignant sign and needs to be dealt with carefully. This is the profile of a suicidal/homicidal prone individual. The Distress Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other Juvenile Pretrial Test scales.

6. Adjustment Scale: Measures the youth's ability to adapt, conform and function. This scale recognizes personal and social stressors at home, school and in one's peer group relationships. Juvenile adjustment requires modification of the youth's attitudes and behavior. Stressors vary widely from the home and school environment (along with anxiety, frustration and competition) to a myriad of emotion provoking events. When the Adjustment Scale is elevated, carefully review other JPT scales. Other JPT scales include violence, substance abuse, distress and stress coping abilities.

An elevated Adjustment Scale suggests one level of intervention (e.g., lifestyle adjustment); whereas, a score in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range suggests other more fundamental intervention options. An elevated Distress Scale score with an elevated Adjustment Scale score is suggestive of poor emotional morale in a problem prone environmental milieu, e.g., school, home and/or peer group. An elevated Adjustment Scale in combination with an elevated Stress Quotient Scale reflects a troubled youth who doesn't cope well with his environment. In this case, the youth might benefit most from stress management training, emotional support of endeavor and lifestyle adjustment. The Adjustment Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other Juvenile Pretrial Test scales.

7. Stress Quotient Scale: Measures the youth's ability to cope with stress, anxiety and pressure. It is now accepted that stress exacerbates symptoms of mental and emotional problems. Thus, an elevated Stress Quotient Scale score in conjunction with other elevated JPT scales helps explain the youth's situation. When a juvenile doesn't handle stress well, other existing problems are often exacerbated.

Such problem augmentation applies to substance abuse, behavioral acting-out and attitudinal problems. And, an elevated Stress Quotient Scale score can also exacerbate emotional and mental health symptomatology. When a Stress Quotient Scale score is in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range, it is very likely that the juvenile has a diagnosable mental health problem. In these instances, referral to a certified/licensed mental health professional is warranted for a diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan. The Stress Quotient Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other Juvenile Pretrial Test scales.

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In conclusion, it was noted that there are several "levels" of Juvenile Pretrial Test interpretation ranging from viewing the JPT as a self-report to interpreting scale elevations and inter-relationships. Scale scores can be interpreted individually. Staff can then put JPT findings within the context of the juvenile's life and corrections situation.

For More Information

* *  Example Juvenile Pretrial Test Report  * *

The Juvenile Pretrial Test report summarizes the juvenile's self-reported history, explains what attained scale scores mean and offer score-related recommendations.  Within 2½ minutes of the test data entry, automated (computer-scored) 4-page reports are printed on-site.

The first page of the JPT report begins with the youth's name and some basic demographics. The JPT Profile summarizes the juvenile's test performance at a glance. It begins with the scale's name and presents the youth's attained percentile score and a graphic representation of each scale score. Page one concludes with the juvenile's self-reported court history. It's always interesting to compare the juvenile's self-report with their documented court history.

The second page of the JPT report summarizes the following scales' attained scores: Truthfulness Scale, Alcohol Scale, Drugs Scale and Violence Scale. Each paragraph gives the youth's attained score, explains what that score means and offers score-related recommendations.

The third page of the JPT report completes the Violence Scale paragraph then continues with a summary of the Distress Scale, Adjustment Scale and Stress Quotient Scale. As noted earlier, each paragraph gives the juvenile's attained score, explains what that score means and offers score-related recommendations. Page 3 concludes with a reproduction of all JPT answers. This facilitates easy identification of the youth's answers to items of particular interest to staff.

The fourth page of the JPT report begins with the youth's "Significant Items," which are direct admissions or unusual answers to the Alcohol, Drugs, Lethality, Distress and Adjustment Scale items. The "Structured Interview" simply reflects the youth's answers to multiple choice (number 131 to 140) items. There are four answers to each item, and the youth's answer is presented. Space is then provided for staff member observations and comments. The fourth page concludes with space for the staff member's signature and the date of the testing.