Assessment And Screening: Consider The Article By Hirschtrit

Assessment And Screeningconsider The Article By Hirschtritt Et Al 20

Assessment and Screeningconsider The Article By Hirschtritt Et Al 20

Assessment and Screening Consider the article by Hirschtritt et al. (2018) and articles read during week 2. How are these articles related to screening and assessment? What specific lessons can be learned from these readings that would inform screening and assessment procedures? 2. The articles by Camplain et al. (2020) and Leiber et al. (2017) discuss race and ethnicity within the contexts of alcohol-related arrests and the juvenile court system and previously you learned about social constructions. Describe how these things might affect screening and assessment in criminal justice settings?

Paper For Above instruction

The articles by Hirschtritt et al. (2018), Camplain et al. (2020), and Leiber et al. (2017) collectively provide important insights into the processes of screening and assessment within mental health and criminal justice settings. They emphasize the significance of understanding psychological, racial, and social factors that influence how individuals are evaluated and subsequently directed toward appropriate services or interventions.

Hirschtritt et al. (2018) focus on the assessment of tic disorders, particularly Tourette syndrome, emphasizing comprehensive clinical evaluation. Their research illustrates how standardized screening tools and detailed clinical assessments are critical for accurate diagnosis, which in turn informs effective treatment plans. This article underscores the importance of early and precise assessment procedures, which can aid in identifying symptoms accurately and avoiding misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. It also highlights the need for culturally sensitive assessment tools that consider the diverse backgrounds of individuals, aligning with best practices in mental health screening. A key lesson from this article is the importance of continuous training for clinicians in administering and interpreting assessment tools, ensuring assessments are reliable and valid across different populations.

The articles by Camplain et al. (2020) and Leiber et al. (2017) extend the discussion into the criminal justice system, examining how race and ethnicity influence assessments related to arrests, sentencing, and access to services. Camplain et al. analyze disparities in alcohol-related arrests across racial groups, revealing that minority populations are often subject to less equitable screening and assessment processes. Similarly, Leiber et al. explore racial biases within juvenile court assessments, demonstrating that social constructions of race can influence judicial decisions, often leading to systemic inequities. These articles highlight the impact of social and racial biases on assessment procedures, where assessments may be influenced by stereotypes or incomplete information, resulting in unfair detention, sentencing, or referral practices.

From these readings, several lessons emerge for improving screening and assessment procedures in criminal justice settings. First, there is a critical need for culturally competent assessment tools that acknowledge and mitigate biases related to race and ethnicity. Implementing standardized protocols that are validated across diverse populations can enhance fairness and accuracy. Second, ongoing training for justice system professionals in cultural competency and unconscious bias can help reduce prejudice in assessment processes. Third, integrating social and contextual information—such as socioeconomic status, community environment, and family background—can provide a more holistic understanding of an individual's circumstances. This approach helps ensure that assessments are fair, comprehensive, and tailored to the individual’s background and needs.

Furthermore, the concept of social constructions, discussed in Week 2 readings, underscores that perceptions of race and ethnicity are not solely biological but shaped by societal norms and histories. Recognizing this in screening and assessment involves critical reflection on how biases are embedded within evaluation processes and data collection tools. When assessments are designed or interpreted without this awareness, systemic inequities can persist and exacerbate disparities.

In conclusion, these articles collectively underscore the importance of culturally sensitive, unbiased, and holistic assessment procedures in both mental health and criminal justice contexts. Effective screening relies on accurate, fair evaluation methods supplemented by ongoing education and awareness of social influences. Addressing racial and social biases in assessment not only promotes justice but also enhances the effectiveness of interventions and treatment outcomes for diverse populations.

References

Hirschtritt, M. E., Lee, P. C., Pauls, D. L., et al. (2018). Lifetime Tic Severity in Tourette Syndrome. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 175(7), 652–659. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.17090980

Camplain, R., Sands, D. J., & Zhang, Q. (2020). Racial Disparities in Alcohol-Related Arrests in the United States. Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Use, 19(2), 175–192. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332640.2020.1745339

Leiber, H., Peck, B., & Carver, A. (2017). Race, Ethnicity, and Disparities in Juvenile Justice. Crime & Delinquency, 63(9), 1143–1167. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011128715592352

Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2009). Discrimination and racial disparities in health: evidence and needed research. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 20-47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-008-9185-0

FitzGerald, C., & Hurst, S. (2008). Implicit bias in healthcare professionals: A systematic review. BMC Medical Ethics, 19(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6939-8-1

Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2013). Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice. Wiley.