About
​Forensic risk assessment involves estimating the likelihood of future reoffending based on the evaluation and combination of relevant risk and protective factors. It is a ubiquitous practice in both the legal and forensic mental health systems. Errors in risk assessment have serious consequences for the individuals being assessed (e.g., incorrectly placed in high security institution) and for public safety (e.g., releasing high risk individual into community).
Objectives
The objective of our work in risk assessment and risk communication is to test new ways of communicating risk-related information to reduce errors and noise in decision-making. We are currently testing the ability of the Five-Level Risk and Needs System, a new way to communicate information of actuarial risk assessment tools, to increase consistency in legal decision-making and reduce the influence of specific biases. We are also examining different ways to communicate the information of specific tools such as the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; Hare, 2003).
Improving Risk Communication Practices in Canada's Legal System
