ABSTRACT
A validated assessment tool is only one element of ensuring that it meets the juvenile justice system’s objectives. This chapter takes a realistic view of the tasks inherent in effective JRNA practice to consider how well agencies can implement them—building on the foundation set in the previous chapter and the unique nature of the three-step JRNA process. First, the unique implementation environment surrounding risk and needs assessment in the juvenile justice system is described. This includes coverage of the outer and inner implementation context for JRNA. Second, we build on broader implementation science, including comprehensive implementation frameworks, to identify several important elements in understanding JRNA usage. Third, important implementation components that are central to understanding the unique nature of JRNA as an object of technology transfer are identified and analyzed. In the last section we discuss several key lessons and challenges of JRNA implementation and use.
