What is a common assessment tool used to evaluate juvenile offenders?

A risk assessment instrument is a common assessment tool used to evaluate juvenile offenders because it systematically analyzes various factors related to the likelihood of reoffending. These instruments consider elements such as the juvenile's criminal history, family circumstances, peer influences, and educational background. By quantifying risk levels, professionals can better determine the needs of the juvenile and tailor interventions or supervision levels accordingly.

While personality tests, behavioral evaluations, and intelligence quotient tests may provide insight into certain aspects of a juvenile's life or character, they do not specifically target the evaluation of risks for reoffending or the structured assessment of factors that influence criminal behavior, which is the primary purpose of risk assessment instruments in the juvenile justice system.