Identifying effective risk assessment instruments

This workshop provides a primer for identifying effective risk assessment instruments. Participants will learn what makes a useful risk assessment, including key factors in the development, validation, and re-validation of these tools. The session will cover essential metrics and statistics that should be used to evaluate risk assessments, such as reliability, accuracy, and predictive validity, while highlighting important methodological considerations. Examples from the research literature will be used to illustrate best practices and common challenges in developing and validating risk assessment instruments. Ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of risk assessment science, this workshop equips attendees with the knowledge to critically evaluate these tools for practice.

What the training will cover:

• Purpose of risk assessment

• Types of risk assessment and their suitability for different environments

• The nature of risk and the difference between prediction and causation

• Selecting the appropriate risk assessment for your context

• How to assess predictive validity and reliability

• What evidence is sufficient to demonstrate validity and reliability

• Assessing the extent to which a risk assessment is biased or discriminatory

This training is suitable for: Clinicians and professionals who use risk assessment; professionals from organisations that employ risk assessment, and; academics interested in risk assessment. If you have questions about your suitability for the workshop, please contact FMHPDP@swin.edu.au

This workshop will be facilitated by Dr Michael Trood and Associate Professor Benjamin Spivak.

Dr Michael Trood is a lecturer at the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science. He has published numerous peer reviewed papers examining the methodological quality of forensic risk assessments using a number of different research designs, including systematic review, re-validation, and validation among new populations.

Associate Professor Spivak has 10 years of experience in risk assessment research. He has co-developed two risk assessments and has published over 20 peer-reviewed papers on forensic risk assessment in areas including policing, corrections and youth justice. Spivak has a keen interest in assessing and remedying racial disparities in risk assessment instruments.