Probation Referral Outcome (PRO)

The Probation Referral Outcome (PRO) does not interpret, judge, or state opinions about treatment program effectiveness. It, simply, reports positive and negative change. The intent is to, objectively, report pretest/posttest change.

When comparing pretest/posttest scores, note, when the pretest score is at or below the 69th percentile (non-problematic range). Since a pretest problem did not exist, posttest scale comparison would, likely, show little change.

Treatment outcome, or effectiveness, is influenced by both, the treatment program and probationer-related factors, like commitment, motivation, cooperation, and goals. Expecting all probationers to want positive change may be unrealistic, especially, when treatment is court ordered, or probation officer mandated.

Non-treatment could result in no change or, even, negative change. When the PRO is not included in treatment intake (pretest), there is no baseline comparison for posttest scale scores. Problems and disorders, not included in the treatment plan, will likely go untreated, which emphasizes the importance of including the PRO in intake screening.

The Probation Referral Outcome (PRO) is an automated, computerized, assessment instrument designed for clinical assessment at intake (pre-treatment) and, again, at the completion of treatment. It enables comparison of probationer status, prior to, during, and upon treatment completion. The Probation Referral Outcome (PRO) can be re-administered to the same probationer, at important, decision making points in the treatment program.

In high volume settings, it is often advantageous to "group test," with paper-pencil materials. Indeed, most PRO users utilize paper-pencil tests. PRO test booklets and answer sheets can be downloaded at www.online-testing.com and photocopied. PRO tests can, then, be scored over the internet, with reports printed within 2� minutes.

When Probation Referral Outcome (PRO) scales, or more specifically, the problems and disorders they represent, are not mentioned in the probationer's referral or treatment plan, it, is, likely, they won't be treated. To avoid this oversight, we recommend that the Probation Referral Outcome (PRO) "pretest report" be reviewed during program intake screening. Not being treated could help explain "no change" or, even, some, negative outcome results.

Although posttest scale scores are discussed, in terms of their comparison to analogous pretest scores, they also represent the probationer's current or present problem status, or intensity. Elevated, (70th percentile and higher) scale scores may warrant consideration of continued or alternative treatment.

It is important that the Probation Referral Outcome (PRO) be included in treatment intake screening. Intake administration of the PRO is called the pretest, and this serves as the baseline against which posttest scale scores are compared. It is important to include the PRO in treatment intake screening.

A 90th percentile or higher Truthfulness Scale score can occur in a pretest or posttest. In either case, the PRO "Comparison Report" is negated, nullified, or rendered null and void, because an invalid (inaccurate) test cannot be used in a meaningful, baseline comparison.

If you are interested in online (internet) testing and our treatment outcome, or effectiveness tests, visit www.online-testing.com. And there is www.probation-referral-outcome.com, which discusses the Probation Referral Outcome (PRO).

In a small percentage of cases, treatment or counseling can sensitize probationers to full disclosure, or "baring their souls." Defense mechanisms (e.g., abreaction, catharsis, etc.) may be involved in extreme self-disclosure. This phenomenon, although very rare or uncommon, could result in some posttest scale scores being higher, after treatment.

When can the Probation Referral Outcome (PRO) be re-administered? The Probation Referral Outcome (PRO) should be re-administered prior to treatment program, alteration, or change. Traditionally, it is administered again, prior to program completion. Some treatment programs utilize 6 or 12 month re-administration review. Others administer the Probation Referral Outcome (PRO) prior to important, treatment program changes.

Risk range classification is straightforward: Low risk (0 to 39th percentile), medium (40 to 69th percentile), problem (70 to 89th percentile), and severe problem (90 to 100th percentile). Yet, evaluator experience and judgment are needed to interpret borderline scores, co-occurring disorder effects, and scale interrelationships.

Report terminology varies. Scale risk is equated to treatment intensity, Medium risk may be paraphrased as average risk, scale graphs are referred to as profiles, and severe risk is described as maximum (or max) risk. Other synonyms include: answer - response, validity - accuracy, item - question, etc.