Prevention Assessment Tool

Overview

The risk assessment process is the cornerstone of our efforts to implement evidence-based services and interventions throughout the juvenile justice system in Florida. The Prevention Assessment Tool (PAT) was developed to assist prevention and civil citation programs in identifying areas of highest criminogenic need, developing a meaningful intervention plan, and monitoring progress in reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors. The underlying philosophy is that the PAT enables staff to reduce the number of youth entering the juvenile delinquency system by promoting positive changes in attitudes and behaviors of youth. The PAT provides staff with data necessary to make informed decisions about which youth need which interventions and to what extent.