The Process-Focused Model for Assessing Risk in Forensic Populations: Explanation, Case Example, and Initial Plans for Establishing the Necessary Evidence Base

ABSTRACT

Comprehensive and efficacious risk assessment must not only use multiple methods of measurement, but evaluators should employ a scientifically-based, systematic approach for integrating multimethod assessment data. One scientifically-based approach for doing this is the process-focused (PF) model, which has the additional advantage of offering a framework for empirically testing examinee-specific hypotheses relevant to the estimation of risk, as well as interaction effects among risk factors via multimethod and serial assessment approaches. However, further research on the efficacy and clinical utility of the PF model is necessary if this approach is to be used in forensic evaluation, especially when considering the standards for expert testimony. After outlining the PF model as it may be applied to risk assessment, this paper presents a case example demonstrating the introduced assessment technique. The authors then discuss the potential benefits of using the PF model for risk assessment before concluding the paper with a justification for future research and suggestions for how to begin establishing the PF model’s efficacy and clinical utility in forensic evaluations.

KEYWORDS:

• Forensics
• Risk
• Multimethod
• Assessment
• Case Example

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

¹ For ease of practice, the evaluator may initially consider integrating the PF model into a preexisting model of risk assessment (e.g., the HCR-20) or other existing SPJ framework, which will not only strengthen the overall risk formulation, but may promote use in clinical practice.

² This is a fabricated case, not based on any one person.

³ Sexual offenses are the least likely type of offense to be reported to the authorities (Finkelhor, 2009).

Additional information

Funding

The authors have no funding to report.