Citation

Cooper BS, Griesel D, Yuille JC. J. Forensic Psychol. Pract. 2007; 7(4): 1-63.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J158v07n04_0l

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Assessing risk for recidivism in forensic populations is a complex task to be mastered by forensic mental health professionals. The results of such assessments have extensive implications for both the criminal and civil justice systems and society at large. This paper provides an overview of the past and current state of affairs of clinical-forensic risk assessment. It begins with a review of the modem history of violence risk assessment and includes a summary of landmark legal cases that have affected the field of risk assessment. A review of the `first and second generation' research, including their associated approaches and assessment tools, and a description of the latest developments in the area is put forward. Suggestions to promote the `state of the art' in risk assessment are explored. It is concluded that, although there have been great advancements in the field of risk assessment during the last decade, current assessments are limited due to insufficient training of the assessors and non-standardized use of the available assessment tools.