What is the main purpose of a "risk assessment" in juvenile justice?

The main purpose of a "risk assessment" in juvenile justice is to evaluate the likelihood of a juvenile reoffending and to determine appropriate interventions. This process involves analyzing various factors related to the juvenile's history, behavior, and environment to predict future delinquent behavior. By assessing risk, practitioners can make informed decisions about how to best address the juvenile's needs, tailor interventions to reduce the likelihood of reoffending, and support their rehabilitation. This approach emphasizes making evidence-based decisions that can lead to better outcomes for both the juvenile and the community, ultimately aiming to reduce recidivism.

Other options, while relevant to different aspects of juvenile justice, do not capture the critical function of risk assessments in focusing on reoffending likelihood and determining interventions geared towards rehabilitation. For example, determining the effectiveness of facilities, identifying potential victims, or assessing parental influence, though important, do not directly relate to the primary function of evaluating a juvenile's risk of reoffending.