Psychological Evaluation and Risk Assessment
Board of Parole
Department of Corrections
City, State
Jane Doe, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Psychological Services
One Market Street
City, State
February 2, 20XX
I. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
Inmate Name: John Smith
CDCR Number: XX55555
Date of Birth: 12/12/1974
Date of Interview: 10/01/20XX
Date of Parole Hearing: 11/08/20XX
Mr. Smith is a 37-year-old, married, Hispanic male. He is currently serving a six year sentence for First Degree Robbery and Second Degree Assault. Mr. Smith was transferred to the Department of Corrections on February, 17, 2007. This is Mr. Smith’s second offense. According to records, he previously served a two year sentence with the Department of Corrections in 2001 for Armed Robbery.
II. SOURCES OF INFORMATION
For the purpose of this report, the undersigned interviewed Mr. Smith on October 1, 2011. Additionally, his legal records, medical records, and prior evaluations were reviewed. At the time of the interview, the undersigned informed Mr. Smith that the purpose of the evaluation is to provide the Board of Parole with a professional opinion as to Mr. Smith’s suitability for parole and risk to the community for re-offense. At the same time, Mr. Smith was informed that the interview was not confidential and that any information disclosed in the interview could be utilized in the report. He was also informed that his participation was voluntary. His was informed, however, that if he chose not to participate, that a report would still be generated. It was then explained to Mr. Smith that he had the right to appeal the findings of the evaluation. Mr. Smith acknowledged that he fully understood the purpose of the evaluation and how the information would be used. He indicated it was his decision to participate in the interview.
Although English is Mr. Smith’s second language, it was determined that he did not require an interpreter based on information from the records, conversations with staff, and a discussion with Mr. Smith. It should be noted that the conclusions and opinions expressed herein are entirely those of the undersigned. However, at any time additional information is provided, the undersigned reserves the right to re-evaluate and change any related opinions.
The purpose of this report is to update the Parole Board on Mr. Smith’s behavior, mental health condition, and to answer related questions since his last evaluation (i.e., please see his records for more detailed information regarding such evaluations).
III. INTERVIEW INFORMATION
CURRENT MENTAL STATUS: Mr. Smith attended the interview in a state issued jumpsuit and was adequately groomed. He was cooperative and appropriate throughout the interview process. He maintained an appropriate level of eye contact and was able to adequately express himself. The volume, rate, and prosody of his speech were within normal limits. He showed no signs of neurological limitations. He was alert and oriented t ...
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Psychological Evaluation and Risk AssessmentBoard of Parole.docx
1. Psychological Evaluation and Risk Assessment
Board of Parole
Department of Corrections
City, State
Jane Doe, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Psychological Services
One Market Street
City, State
February 2, 20XX
I. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
Inmate Name: John Smith
CDCR Number: XX55555
Date of Birth: 12/12/1974
Date of Interview: 10/01/20XX
Date of Parole Hearing: 11/08/20XX
Mr. Smith is a 37-year-old, married, Hispanic male. He is
currently serving a six year sentence for First Degree Robbery
and Second Degree Assault. Mr. Smith was transferred to the
Department of Corrections on February, 17, 2007. This is Mr.
2. Smith’s second offense. According to records, he previously
served a two year sentence with the Department of Corrections
in 2001 for Armed Robbery.
II. SOURCES OF INFORMATION
For the purpose of this report, the undersigned interviewed Mr.
Smith on October 1, 2011. Additionally, his legal records,
medical records, and prior evaluations were reviewed. At the
time of the interview, the undersigned informed Mr. Smith that
the purpose of the evaluation is to provide the Board of Parole
with a professional opinion as to Mr. Smith’s suitability for
parole and risk to the community for re-offense. At the same
time, Mr. Smith was informed that the interview was not
confidential and that any information disclosed in the interview
could be utilized in the report. He was also informed that his
participation was voluntary. His was informed, however, that if
he chose not to participate, that a report would still be
generated. It was then explained to Mr. Smith that he had the
right to appeal the findings of the evaluation. Mr. Smith
acknowledged that he fully understood the purpose of the
evaluation and how the information would be used. He indicated
it was his decision to participate in the interview.
Although English is Mr. Smith’s second language, it was
determined that he did not require an interpreter based on
information from the records, conversations with staff, and a
discussion with Mr. Smith. It should be noted that the
conclusions and opinions expressed herein are entirely those of
the undersigned. However, at any time additional information is
provided, the undersigned reserves the right to re-evaluate and
change any related opinions.
The purpose of this report is to update the Parole Board on Mr.
Smith’s behavior, mental health condition, and to answer
related questions since his last evaluation (i.e., please see his
records for more detailed information regarding such
evaluations).
III. INTERVIEW INFORMATION
3. CURRENT MENTAL STATUS: Mr. Smith attended the
interview in a state issued jumpsuit and was adequately
groomed. He was cooperative and appropriate throughout the
interview process. He maintained an appropriate level of eye
contact and was able to adequately express himself. The
volume, rate, and prosody of his speech were within normal
limits. He showed no signs of neurological limitations. He was
alert and oriented throughout the two hour interview. His
insight and judgment appeared to be within normal limits. It did
not appear that he was responding to any internal or external
stimuli. He did not show signs of a thought disorder or
additional perceptual disturbance. Mr. Smith denied a history of
thoughts of wanting to harm himself or others. He also denied
any current suicidal or homicidal thoughts.
INSTITUATIONAL PROGRAMMING: Mr. Smith has been
programming well within the institution since his last Parole
Board hearing. Specifically:
· Mr. Smith has not received any behavioral violations;
· On January 4, 2010 Mr. Smith was moved from the behavioral
unit (BHU) to the general population unit (GPU);
· On January 12, 2010, Mr. Smith joined group therapy and,
according to staff, has been an active participant;
· Mr. Smith has expressed interest in individual therapy;
· On February 6, 2010, Mr. Smith expressed interest in
vocational programming and on February 13, 2010, he accepted
a Work-For-Pay position;
· Mr. Smith has completed 12 educational units and is currently
enrolled in 3 math units;
· On February 20, 2010, Mr. Smith joined AA programming in
his living unit and has completed 27 hours;
4. INSIGHT/SELF ASSESSMENT: Mr. Smith views himself as
having had several “set-backs” since his transfer to the facility.
He indicated that he has “tried to remain positive and
cooperative with staff.” Mr. Smith reported that since his last
hearing he has taken the initiative to “improve himself.” He
explained that he has “a daughter out there (i.e., in the
community)…I don’t want her to see me like this.” Although,
historically, he has presented with behaviors consistent with
Antisocial Personality Disorder, he has been able to regulate
several of the behavioral components by working with staff
members. He explained that he views himself as a “criminal,
now…But, when I get out on the streets, I will change. I won’t
be a criminal anymore. I’m going to be clean.” He described his
participation in Alcoholics Anonymous. He reported his future
plans to remain active in such programming. Mr. Smith was
asked how he has recently been spending his time in the
facility. He indicated, “When I have time, I like to write poetry
and draw.” He reported that he has recently joined Speak for a
Change, which is an institutional group that speaks with newly
admitted inmates about taking a non-criminal path in life. He
explained that through this program he has been able to “learn a
lot about myself.” Upon inquiry, Mr. Smith reported that he has
learned through the program that he had “chosen” to participate
in criminal behaviors and that he can “choose” to not participate
in them when released.
PAROLE PLANS IF GRANTED RELEASE: If granted parole,
Mr. Smith reported that he plans to return to live with his
girlfriend. He reported that he has been in a relationship with
his girlfriend for approximately 9 years. She is currently renting
a house in Denver, CO, which is in the city of his release.
According to records, Mr. Smith’s girlfriend currently works at
Financial Bank as a teller. He indicated that he plans to re-gain
contact with his daughter (i.e., a different woman than above
mentioned girlfriend), who currently lives with her grandmother
in Whittier, CO. Upon inquiry, Mr. Smith reported that he has
5. money saved in a savings account that his girlfriend opened for
him approximately 2 years ago. Mr. Smith was asked about his
vocational plans. He indicated that he plans to return to the
construction company where he had previously been employed.
He reported that he has spoken with the company’s owner who
explained that “as long as I’m on parole and abide by the terms
he’ll let me come back.” Records do not indicate a prior history
of parole violations. Mr. Smith was asked about his risk to the
community if he were to be granted parole. He indicated that
“there’s always a risk I can do something stupid again, but it’s
low.” He explained that since his involvement in group therapy
and AA he has learned ways to cope with stressful
circumstances and alternative ways to make financial gains.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Mr. Smith has a lengthy history of
alcohol abuse. He reported that he was under the influence of
alcohol each time he has engaged in criminal behaviors. He
indicated that he has been sober since his admission to the
Department of Corrections. He explained, “I realize I can’t
drink” as readily “here, but I am doing the best I can to set
myself up for success to not drink” in the community. As stated
above, Mr. Smith is currently participating in AA and has plans
to continue such participation in the community upon release.
He reported the AA programming has been helpful in remaining
sober. Mr. Smith acknowledged his excessive use of alcohol and
admitted his dependence on the substance. He described an
understanding that his illness is life-long and expressed
dedication to remain sober in the community. His continued
sobriety and recovery from alcohol is largely dependent on his
continued participation in chemical dependency treatment. It is
the undersigned’s professional opinion that completion of such
treatment should be mandated as a term of his parole (if
granted).
IV. DIAGNOSTIC SUMMERY AND CONSIDERATIONS
The following diagnostic profile is based on criteria that is
established by the American Psychiatric Association and
derived from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
6. Disorders).
DSM IV-TR Diagnosis
Axis I:
303.90
Alcohol Dependence, In a Controlled Environment
311.00
Depressive Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified
Axis II:
Rule Out
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Axis III:
Deferred to Health Services
Axis IV:
Legal Problems
Axis V:
GAF: 75 (Current)
DSM 5 Diagnosis:
305.00 Alcohol Use Disorder, In Sustained Remission, In a
Controlled Environment, Mild
MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS OR PERSONALITY
DISORDERS: Mr. Smith’s history of alcohol dependence is
described above.
Mr. Smith has historically suffered from affective-related
symptomology. During the interview for purposes of this report,
7. Mr. Smith presented with depressive features. He endorsed
several symptoms consistent with such a disorder; however,
symptoms did not meet criteria for full diagnostic
considerations. He endorsed sleep disturbance, difficulty
concentrating, feelings of guilt, and low self-esteem.
Mr. Smith has a history of engaging in criminal behaviors, of
which reportedly began at a young age. It is unclear from the
provided records if he meets diagnostic criteria for Antisocial
Personality Disorder at this time. Therefore, when more
information and documentation is provided this Axis II
diagnosis should be re-evaluated.
V. PREVIOUS EVALUATION SUMMARIES
Mr. Smith has previously been evaluated by Jennifer Common,
Ph.D. and John Person, Ph.D. Both professionals concluded that
although Mr. Smith appeared to be a low risk to the community,
he had additional work (i.e., psychological treatment,
educational, and vocational) to be completed in the facility. It
appears from provided documentation and from Mr. Smith that
he has engaged in all of the previous mentioned
recommendations.
VI. VIOLENCE RISK ASSESSMENT
It is the undersigned’s conclusions that based on his current
behaviors and on actuarial assessments, Mr. Smith is overall
found to be in the low risk range to engage in future criminal
behaviors.
The following measures were utilized in the evaluation of Mr.
Smith:
· Historical Clinical Risk-20. The HCR-20 is an empirically-
based, standardized rating scale of future violent risk. Mr.
Smith earned a score of nine, which places him the low risk
range to engage in future violent behaviors.
· Level of Service Inventory-Revised. The LSI-R is an
8. empirically-based standardized rating scale that has
demonstrated validity in the prediction of future violence. On
this measure, Mr. Smith was provided a rating of nine, which
places him in the low risk range for recidivism.
VII. SUMMARY OPINION
As stated above, Mr. Smith is a low risk for future violence.
According to records, Mr. Smith has minimized his risk by
engaging in previously recommended activities and programs.
Therefore, based on all of the provided information and
documentation, it appears that Mr. Smith would be a good
candidate for parole. Specific recommendations if released to
the community include:
1. Chemical dependency treatment. As stated elsewhere, Mr.
Smith has historically struggled with substance dependency
issues, of which he believes largely contributed to his
offending. It would be the recommendation that he complete a
program registered and certified to handle such an offender.
2. Psychological treatment for depressive symptomology. Mr.
Smith has historically struggled with depressive features.
Although it is unclear from the records, Mr. Smith may have
previously utilized substances in order to cope with such
symptomology.
3. Consider a referral for psychotropic medications. Again, Mr.
Smith has historically struggled with depressive features. He
may benefit from an anti-depressant.
4. Although Mr. Smith has a relapse-prevention plan if released,
he should be released to a program that would provide him
structure. Being released from prison after several years may
introduce a variety of stressors he is not adequately prepared to
deal with.
5. Transitional programming may also be beneficial. Although it
appears Mr. Smith has a place to live and employment lined up,
10. Scenario:
You are working as a forensic mental health professional in a
parole outpatient clinic, which has received a forensic
psychological and risk assessment report on a paroled offender.
You have been asked evaluate the report and present it to the
Board of Parole.
Click here to download the forensic psychology and risk
assessment report.
Tasks:
Evaluate the forensic psychology and risk assessment report and
create an 8- to 10-page essay in a Microsoft Word document
addressing the following:
Identify and describe the role and purpose of the report.
Comment on whether the evaluation was or was not necessary.
State the reasons for your opinion.
Apply considerations of any information or sections that you
found missing in the report as well as information that you
found to be not relevant, i.e., elements that should have been
omitted. In other words, what could have been added to or
excluded from the report?
Discuss the ways in which cultural sensitivity and aspects of
diversity were addressed in the report, including any ways in
which the report could be made more culturally sensitive and
include greater considerations of elements of diversity.
Identify and describe at least two additional psychological
assessments or measures that you would have administered to
obtain additional relevant information for the report. Feel free
to list more than two as appropriate. Be sure to also consider
cultural implications of the tests which you select.
Explain how you would use the recommendations in the report
11. to assist in the development of a treatment plan.
Discuss in what capacity the report may be used in alternative
venues. For example, can this report be utilized by other
professionals in the future? If so, in what capacity?
Discuss the overall quality and readability of this report,
including a scholarly critique of the writing.
As you evaluate the report be sure to avoid using the word “I”
in formal writing. Remember, the reader of your assignment
will know it is your voice since you are the author of your
paper. Also, consider the difference between the following two
statements, “I think the report needed to have included . . .” and
“The report needed to have included . . .” The first statement
has some redundancy by the writer’s use of the word “I,”
whereas the second statement displays greater confidence.
Your essay should rely upon at least seven scholarly resources
from the professional literature that are cited in APA format.
The literature may include the Argosy University online library
resources; relevant textbooks; peer-reviewed journal articles;
and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or
institutions (.edu or .gov).
Submission Details:
By Monday, July 3, 2017, save your essay as
M5_A2_Lastname_Firstname.doc and submit it to the M5
Assignment 2 LASA Dropbox.
The LASA is worth 300 points and will be graded according to
the following rubric:
Assignment Component Proficient
Maximum Points Possible
Identify and describe the role and purpose of the report.
Comment on whether the evaluation was or was not necessary.
State the reasons for your viewpoint. The role and purpose
as well as the necessity of the report were stated and considered
12. ethical considerations. The reasons for their viewpoints were
fully articulated.
44
Apply considerations of any information or sections that should
be added to or removed from the report Considerations of any
information or sections that should be added to or removed from
the report are complete, detailed and accurate.
40
Discuss the ways in which cultural sensitivity and aspects of
diversity were addressed in the report, including any ways in
which the report could be made more culturally sensitive and
include greater considerations of elements of diversity.
Analysis of the ways in which cultural sensitivity and
aspects of diversity were addressed in the report and
improvements for cultural sensitivity were complete, detailed
and accurate.
Several outside resources were utilized.
44
Identify and describe at least two additional psychological
assessments or measures that you would have administered to
obtain additional relevant information for the report. Feel free
to list more than two as appropriate. Be sure to also consider
cultural applications of the tests which you select. Two
psychological assessment instruments were identified and
discussed. Cultural implications of the selected measures were
considered.
44
Explain how you would use the recommendations in the report
to assist in the development of a treatment plan. An
explanation of how the recommendations in the report could be
used to assist in the development of a treatment plan was
complete and accurate.
44
Discuss in what capacity the report may be used in alternative
venues by other professionals in the future and in what capacity
13. A discussion of how the report can be used in alternative
venues by other professionals in the future and in what capacity
was complete and accurate.
28
Discuss the quality and readability of this report; include a
scholarly critique of the writing. A discussion of the quality
and readability of the report and a scholarly critique of the
writing were complete and detailed.
28
Academic Writing
Writing is generally clear and in an organized manner. It
demonstrates ethical scholarship in accurate representation and
attribution of sources; and generally displays accurate spelling,
grammar, punctuation. Errors are few, isolated, and do not
interfere with reader’s comprehension.
Citations in text and at the end of the document are in correct
APA format. Writing is generally clear and in an organized
manner. It demonstrates ethical scholarship in accurate
representation and attribution of sources; and generally displays
accurate spelling, grammar, punctuation. Errors are few,
isolated, and do not interfere with reader’s comprehension.
Citations in text and at the end of the document are in correct
APA format.
28
Total:
300