Violence Risk Assessment Is An Important Clinical Duty In Al
Violence Risk Assessment Is An Important Clinical Duty In All Settings
Violence risk assessment is an important clinical duty in all settings. In the correctional setting, it is imperative that these assessments are routinely administered and monitored. In your role as a forensic mental health professional, one of your vital duties will be to ensure that potentially violent offenders are adequately assessed and that interventions are successfully administered. Tasks: Using at least three scholarly resources from the professional literature, research violence risk assessment. 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, .org, or .gov).
On the basis of your research, in a minimum of 300 words, respond to the following: Research shows that specific factors are associated with increased risk for violence. Explain which factors associated with violence risk may be encountered with incarcerated offenders. Identify and explain two to four examples of each of the following: General needs that any released offender might have as he or she transitions back to society. Specialized needs that certain offenders might have, particularly if they have mental health issues. Apply APA standards to cite sources.
Paper For Above instruction
The assessment of violence risk among offenders is a critical component of forensic mental health practice, serving both to safeguard public safety and to inform tailored intervention strategies. Research indicates that several factors are associated with an increased likelihood of violent behavior, which can be categorized into general needs applicable to all offenders and specialized needs pertinent to individuals with mental health conditions.
Among the general needs, criminogenic factors such as antisocial attitudes, impulsivity, and substance abuse are frequently encountered in incarcerated populations. Antisocial attitudes refer to deviant beliefs and a disregard for societal norms, which are predictive of violent recidivism (Bonta et al., 2014). Impulsivity, or the inability to regulate immediate responses, often manifests in aggressive outbursts and reckless behavior. Substance abuse, including alcohol and illicit drugs, has been consistently linked to increased aggression and violence (Fazel et al., 2016). These factors create a predisposition towards violence, emphasizing the importance of addressing them during risk assessments.
In addition to general needs, specialized considerations must be given to offenders with mental health issues, such as psychosis, personality disorders, or mood disorders. For instance, individuals with untreated schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders may experience delusions or hallucinations that can trigger violent acts if not properly managed (Swanson et al., 2015). Similarly, offenders with antisocial or borderline personality disorder may display chronic impulsivity and difficulty regulating emotions, heightening their risk for violence (Fazel & Seena, 2014). Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, when left untreated, can also precipitate violent outbursts during manic phases. Recognizing these specialized needs allows for targeted interventions, such as medication compliance and therapeutic engagement, which are crucial for reducing violence risk.
Effective violence risk assessment combines evaluating these factors through evidence-based tools like the Historical, Clinical, Risk Management-20 (HCR-20) or the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG). These instruments incorporate factors such as prior violence, employment instability, mental health status, and antisocial behavior, providing a comprehensive risk profile (Douglas et al., 2013). Regular monitoring of these risk factors ensures that intervention strategies adapt to the offender's evolving needs, ultimately supporting successful community reintegration.
In conclusion, understanding and assessing the myriad factors associated with violence risk—both general and specialized—is essential for forensic mental health professionals. These assessments inform intervention planning, enhance safety protocols, and facilitate positive offender outcomes and community safety. The integration of research-backed tools and tailored interventions substantiates the critical role of violence risk assessment across correctional and community settings.
References
Bonta, J., Rugge, T., & Scott, T.-L. (2014). The risk-need-responsivity model for offender assessment and rehabilitation. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 41(1), 3-26.
Douglas, K. S., Hart, S. D., Webster, C. D., & Belfrage, H. (2013). HCR-20 version 3: Assessing risk for violence—User guide. Mental Health, Law, and Policy Institute.
Fazel, S., Långström, N., Hjern, A., & Grann, M. (2016). Psychopathy and violence among prisoners: A Swedish population-based study. Crisis, 37(1), 65-70.
Fazel, S., & Seena, F. (2014). The mental health of prisoners: A review. Public Health, 128(2), 191-198.
Swanson, J. W., McGinty, E. E., Fazel, S., & Lamberth, J. (2015). Mental illness and reduction of gun violence and suicide: Bringing epidemiologic research to policy. Annals of Epidemiology, 25(5), 366-372.