Generic assessment service
Generic assessments serve many purposes, but generally they are used to provide a window into current behaviours and future needs of the individual. The assessments are complimented by both clinical and psychometric assessments, providing a healthy assessment balance between subjective and objective perspectives to child/adult psychology.
The nature and extent of the assessments allows other agencies to construct a comprehensive plan that considers the individual within a mental health and social context. Our assessments propose frameworks for existing and future therapeutic plans.
Specialist assessment service
CCATS provides specialist assessment services for young people with sexually problematic behaviours. This socially delicate area requires a service that considers cooperation with the relevant agencies involved in the life of the young person.
Models, such as the Good-Lives model and Good-Way model (for those with learning difficulties) are tailored to the individual and their particular context. Both models are strength based and focus on an approach system that encourages an emphasis on good and rewarding behaviour, as opposed to the elimination of negative behaviours. Relapse-prevention, although not a primary aim, is incorporated particularly into both models by establishing support systems and assisting the client to self-monitor his or her behaviours — this is not the typical relapse model.
Risk assessment protocols consider dynamic (clinical) factors and static (historical) factors, under the belief that the dynamic factors are transient, like the emerging identity of the young person and as such are open to positive change. Historical factors offer a more robust risk prediction, but also provide a context for each sex offender. Our assessments combine both of these domains that not only inform agencies of likely risk, but also consider environmental conditions. All assessments encompass generic functioning.
Baseline and outcome measures focus on aspects of functioning relevant to juvenile sex offenders such as: self-esteem, strengths and difficulties, social skills, competence, cognitive distortions, impulsivity, empathy, social support, and self-efficacy.(CCATS is a member of N.O.T.A., the National Organisation for the Treatment of Abusers)
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