ABSTRACT
Risk assessment is a core component of correctional decision-making. After providing an overview of sexual recidivism rates, types of risk assessment, and surveys of scale use, this chapter reviews the latest research advances to inform evidence-based practice. For individuals with child sexual exploitation material offences, either the CPORT or Risk Matrix 2000 are defensible to use. Results of actuarial risk scales should not be overridden. Risk should be re-assessed not just post-treatment but after an individual has remained in the community sex offence free for a period of time. We are also beginning to see risk assessment tools to assess protective factors, but research has yet to determine the added value of this type of assessment. Last, although most studies are in research settings, there is evidence that these tools can predict sexual recidivism with large accuracy in the field, but buy-in from staff, managers, and administrators is critical.
