The Treatment Intervention Inventory
(TII-Juvenile) evolved from the Treatment Intervention
Inventory (TII). It is the juvenile (14 - 18 years) version of the TII. The
TII-Juvenile has 143 items and takes 25 minutes to complete. It has nine
scales (measures): 1.
Truthfulness Scale, 2.
Anxiety Scale, 3. Depression
Scale,
4. Self-Esteem Scale, 5. Distress Scale, 6. Family
Issues Scale, 7. Alcohol Scale, 8.
Drugs
Scale and 9. Stress
Coping Abilities Scale. If you're looking for a test to screen juveniles (male
and female) for attitudinal, emotional and substance (alcohol and other drugs)
abuse problems, we recommend the TII-Juvenile.
APPLICATIONS
** TII-Juvenile **
EAP, HMO and agency referral.
Counseling and treatment program intake.
Juvenile evaluation, assessment and screening.
Juvenile court assessment.
Juvenile substance abuse evaluation.
Nine TII-Juvenile
Scales (Measures)
Truthfulness Scale:
Measures the youth's truthfulness while completing the TII-Juvenile. This
scale identifies denial, problem minimization and attempts to fake good.
Anxiety Scale: Measures nervousness, apprehension and somatic correlates
of anxiety. This score varies directly with experienced symptoms. Adolescence
has been characterized as the "age of anxiety."
Depression Scale: Measures dejected and self-depreciating emotional states
that vary from normal to pathological. Melancholy, unhappiness and dysphoria
are included in this definition of depression.
Self-Esteem Scale: Reflects a person's explicit valuing and appraisal of self. It incorporates an
attitude of acceptance-approval versus rejection-disapproval of self.
Distress Scale: Measures experienced pain, worry, sorrow and suffering. Distress can involve
both mental and physical pain. Distress is one of the most common reasons troubled youths seek help.
Family Issues Scale: Measures family issues, problems and concerns. The juvenile rates their own
family relationships. Family refers to parents, siblings and other residents of the home.
Alcohol Scale: Measures the severity of alcohol use and abuse. Alcohol is
a licit substance. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other substances.
Drugs Scale: Measures the severity of illicit drug use and abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana,
crack, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin.
Stress Coping Abilities Scale:
Measures how well a youth handles anxiety and perceived pressure. Stress
exacerbates emotional and mental health symptomatology. Consequently, a Stress
Coping Abilities Scale score at the 90th percentile (or above)
indicates the presence of an established mental health (DSM-IV)
problem.
* * * * *
Two Versions of the TII
The Treatment Intervention Inventory (TII)
is the adult version or TII. Click on the following link
to go to the
TII webpage.
The
TII-Juvenile is the juvenile version of the TII. This is the TII-Juvenile webpage.
* * * * *
Why Use the
TII-Juvenile?
TII-Juvenile results can be used in counseling and treatment program intake assessment or for screening and
referral, as warranted. The TII-Juvenile provides an objective and standardized assessment of the youth tested. It can be
administered as a screening and referral test, at program intake, at follow-up intervals of 30
days or more and at counseling or treatment completion.
The TII-Juvenile has many advantages over an interview. For example, it is a test with demonstrated reliability,
validity and accuracy. It has been standardized on troubled youths. Its
Truthfulness Scale, Truth-Corrected scores, expanding database, annual testing
program summary, and ongoing database research are very desirable features of
this test. In contrast, interviews are subjective because interviewers
must repeat, paraphrase and probe for acceptable answers.
The TII-Juvenile was developed specifically for troubled youth screening. These screenings can occur at HMO,
EAP and social services' offices to help determine appropriate referral
alternatives. The TII-Juvenile can also be administered at counseling or
treatment program intake, at 30-day intervals (minimum) thereafter or prior to program completion.
It's a fact that early problem identification facilitates timely intervention, treatment and improved outcome
results. There are many key points in juvenile rehabilitation. First, problems
need to be identified and, when present, the youth needs to be referred for
help. TII-Juvenile results help in deciding upon appropriate referrals, the
type of treatment needed and the level of care that is warranted.
At one sitting of approximately 25 minutes' duration, staff can acquire a vast amount of helpful information that
can influence subsequent intervention and treatment recommendations. And, as
noted earlier, early problem identification facilitates timely referral and treatment.
Advantages
of Screening
Screening or assessment instruments filter out individuals with serious problems that may require referral for
help. This filtering system works as follows:
TII-JUVENILE RISK RANGES
Risk Category
Risk Range Percentile
Total Percentage
Low Risk
0 - 39%
39%
Medium Risk
40 - 69%
30%
Problem Risk
70 - 89%
20%
Severe Problem
90 -100%
11%
Reference to the above table shows that a problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70th
percentile or higher. These risk range percentiles are calculated on the youths
that have completed the TII-Juvenile. This procedure is fair and avoids
extremes such as over-identification and under-identification of problems.
A department, agency, program or mental health professional might refer youths with serious problems for further
evaluation, counseling or treatment. In this case (Severe Problem), 11% of the
youths screened would be referred. In this example, 89% of the youths screened
would not be referred for additional and often unnecessary services.
Budgetary savings (dollars) would be large with no compromises in juveniles receiving appropriate
evaluation and treatment services.
Indeed, more juveniles would receive help. Without a screening program, there is
usually more risk of over or under-utilization of additional professional services.
TII-Juvenile Test
Booklet
TII-Juvenile test booklets are provided free. These booklets contain 143 items and are written at a 5th to
6th grade reading level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the TII-Juvenile test booklet.
Reports
In brief, TII-Juvenile reports summarize the youth's self-report history, explain what attained scale scores mean and
offer specific score-related recommendations.
Within 2 minutes of test data computer entry, automated (computer-scored) three-page reports are printed on-site.
These reports summarize a lot of information in an easily understood format.
For example, reports include a TII-Juvenile profile (graph), which summarizes
scale scores at a glance. Also included are attained scale score paragraphs,
an explanation of what each score means and specific score-related
recommendations. In addition, significant items (direct admissions) are
highlighted, and answers to a built-in interview (last sequence of items) are
presented. Emphasis is placed on having meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood.
An example TII-Juvenile report is presented at the end of this webpage. To go directly to this example report,
click on the
TII-Juvenile Example Report link.
Reliability and
Validity
The TII-Juvenile has a proprietary built-in database that insures collection of all tests administered in a
confidential (no names) manner. These reliability and validity statistics are reported in the document titled "TII: An
Inventory of Scientific Findings." Annual database analysis further demonstrates that TII-Juvenile scales have very high
reliability and validity coefficients.
The inter-item reliability (alpha) coefficients for the nine TII-Juvenile scales are presented in the table
below. All scales are highly reliable. All of the reliability coefficient
alphas for all TII-Juvenile scales were at or above 0.85. These results
demonstrate that the TII-Juvenile is a very reliable juvenile assessment test.
NOTE: The Family Issues Scale is not a measurement scale and
is not included in this analysis.
All TII-Juvenile scales are highly reliable. All alpha coefficients are well above the professionally accepted
standard of .75. These results clearly demonstrate that the TII-Juvenile is a reliable test.
Early TII-Juvenile validation studies involved other tests that measured the same thing. The criterion group studies
are reported in the document titled "TII: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Subsequent
database research further supports the validity of the TII-Juvenile.
TII-JUVENILE ACCURACY (N=760, 2002)
TII-Juvenile Scales
Correct Problem Identification
Alcohol Scale
100%
Drugs Scale
100%
Anxiety Scale
100%
Depression Scale
100%
Distress Scale
96.7%
In summary, all 9 TII-Juvenile scales are highly reliable. And, validity analysis demonstrated that the TII-Juvenile
closely approximate predicted percentages. It's reasonable to conclude that the TII-Juvenile is a reliable, valid and accurate test.
A TII-Juvenile research study is presented at the end of this webpage. To go directly to this study, click on
this
TII-Juvenile Research Study link.
Software
The TII-Juvenile is available in MS-DOS and Windows. MS-DOS diskettes contain all their own software. Windows
diskettes require a one-time computer setup procedure after which TII-Juvenile
data (25 or 50 test applications) diskettes are used to score and print
reports. Training manuals are provided, and new test users can be walked
through these procedures over Risk & Needs, Inc.'s (Risk & Needs) telephone line.
Proprietary TII-Juvenile data
diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½" diskettes score,
interpret and print TII-Juvenile reports on-site. Once a TII-Juvenile
account is established, ordered diskettes are mailed to users.
Approximately 97% of orders are filled and mailed back to users the day
they are received. When all test applications on a diskette are used,
these diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs
where the test data is downloaded into the TII-Juvenile database.
The proprietary "delete names"
program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to delete
all names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. Deleting all the youths' names insures client confidentiality
and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
Database
The TII-Juvenile system contains a
proprietary built-in database. Earlier, it was noted that all used
TII-Juvenile diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs, and their test data is downloaded
into the TII-Juvenile database. This expanding database allows ongoing research and testing program summary -- features that
were not possible before. To review a free summary report click on the
Annual Summary Report link.
In summary, all returned
TII-Juvenile diskettes' test data is centrally filed at Risk & Needs' offices in the TII-Juvenile
database. This database has many advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that includes scale alpha
coefficients, ANOVA, frequency distributions, correlations, cross-tab statistics along with reliability, validity and accuracy
determinations. And, annual testing program summary provides a vehicle for program evaluation. To review TII-Juvenile research
report click on the
TII-Juvenile Research Study link.
Annual Summary Reports
Risk & Needs
can access each of its tests' built-in databases for statistical analysis and summarization of all
tests administered in a year. Annual Summary Reports are prepared for state, department, agency and even some individual
providers -- at no cost to them. These reports are provided as a professional courtesy to large volume test users. Summary
reports include demographics, court-history when relevant, and test statistics (reliability, validity and accuracy). Has anyone
offered to summarize your testing program? Annually? At no additional cost to you? Minimum testing volume for annual reports is
350 tests. There is no maximum limit.
Risk & Needs' annual reports range in size from 350 tests to over 55,000 tests annually.
An example Annual Summary Report can be viewed by clicking on this
Annual Summary Report link.
Staff Member Input
The TII-Juvenile is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. Experienced staff should
interview the juvenile being tested. For these reasons, the following
statement is contained in each TII-Juvenile report: "TII-Juvenile results are
confidential and should be considered working hypotheses. No diagnosis or
decision should be based solely upon these results. Use only with experienced staff judgment."
Unique TII-Juvenile
Features
Truthfulness Scale:Identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. It is now known that many
juveniles attempt to minimize their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is a
necessary component in contemporary tests. The TII-Juvenile Truthfulness Scale
has been validated with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
(MMPI), polygraph exams, other tests, truthfulness studies and experienced
staff judgment. The TII-Juvenile Truthfulness Scale has been demonstrated to
be reliable, valid and accurate. In some respects, the TII-Juvenile
Truthfulness Scale is similar to the MMPI's L and F-Scales. It consists of a
number of items that most people agree or disagree with.
Truth-Corrected Scores:
Have proven to be very important for assessment accuracy. This proprietary
truth correction process is comparable to the MMPI's K-Scale correction. The
TII-Juvenile Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the other 5 scales.
The Truth Correction equation converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores.
Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores. Raw scores reflect
what the juvenile wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the juvenile is attempting to hide.
Stress Coping Abilities Scale:
Measures how well the juvenile handles stress, tension and pressure. And, we
now know that stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptomatology.
This scale is a non-introversive way to screen for established (diagnosable)
mental health problems. A person scoring at or above the 90th percentile on
the Stress Coping Abilities Scale should be referred to a certified mental
health professional for a more comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and
treatment plan. This important area of inquiry is missed by many other assessment tests.
More than just another alcohol or drug test. In addition to alcohol and drugs, the TII-Juvenile
assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness,
denial and faking, family issues, emotional/mental health problems, etc. The
TII-Juvenile is specifically designed for juvenile screening.
Three ways to give the TII-Juvenile.
The TII-Juvenile can be administered in three different ways:
1. Paper-pencil test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure.
TII-Juvenile English and Spanish test booklets and answer sheets are
available. 2.
Tests can be given directly on the computer screen. Some
agencies dedicate computers for TII-Juvenile testing. And,
3. Human voice audio in English or
Spanish is available. These three test administration modes are
discussed in the "TII: Orientation and Training Manual." Each test
administration mode has advantages and some limitations. Risk &
Needs
offers these three test modes so test users can select the administration
mode that is optimally suited to their needs.
Reading Impaired Assessment: Reading
impaired juveniles represent 20+ percent of the juveniles tested. This
represents a serious problem to other treatment tests. Risk & Needs
has developed an alternative for dealing with this problem:
Human Voice Audio.
Human Voice Audio:
Presentation of the TII-Juvenile is in English and Spanish. Juveniles' passive
vocabularies are often greater than their active vocabularies. Hearing items
read out loud often helps reduce cultural and communication problems. This
administration mode requires earphones and simple instructions to orient the
juvenile to the up-down arrow keys on the computer keyboard. Human Voice Audio
is an alternative approach for screening reading impaired juveniles.
Confidentiality: Risk & Needs
encourages test users to delete juvenile names from diskettes before
they are returned to Risk & Needs. Once juvenile names are deleted, they are gone and cannot
be retrieved. Deleting juvenile names does not delete demographics or test
data, which is downloaded into the TII-Juvenile database for subsequent
analysis. This proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes and insures juvenile confidentiality
and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
Test Data Input Verification:Allows the person that inputs test
data from the answer sheet into the computer to verify the accuracy of
their data input. In brief, test data is input twice, and any
inconsistencies between the first and second data entries are
highlighted until corrected. When the first and second data entries
match or are the same, the staff person can continue. This proprietary
Data Input Verification procedure is optional, yet strongly recommended
by Risk & Needs.
Inventory of Scientific Findings: Much of the TII-Juvenile research has been gathered
together in a document titled "TII: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This
document summarizes TII-Juvenile research chronologically -- as the studies
were completed. This chronological reporting format was established largely
because of the TII-Juvenile database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests administered.
Staff Training:Risk & Needs' staff is available to participate in
TII-Juvenile training programs conducted by statewide programs,
departments and high volume agencies in the United States. Sometimes,
smaller volume providers get together for collective (multiple
providers) on-site training. Risk & Needs typically participates in
4-hour or 6-hour TII-Juvenile training sessions. This training can
include hands-on computer scoring, as desired. Risk & Needs
gives attendees
certificates attesting to their TII-Juvenile training.
Staff training is also provided on
Fridays at Risk & Needs' Phoenix offices from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30
a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. These training sessions are free. To
participate, contact Risk & Needs
at least ten days in advance.
Participation is on a first call, first scheduled basis.
Test Unit Fee (Cost):
TII-Juvenile cost information can be reviewed by clicking on the
Test Unit Fee (Cost) link. There is only the one cost or charge, and that is
the test unit fee. Everything else is included at no additional cost to
the test user. This includes test booklets, answer sheets, training
manuals, upgrades, ongoing database research, annual summary testing
reports, staff training, and support services. Do not be misled by some
test publishers' à la carte pricing like separate costs for each test
administration as well as for each of the test-related items listed
above. Instead of asking for the test administration cost, ask for the
total cost involved in using a test. We believe Risk & Needs' one test unit fee is very affordable.
Free Examination Kit: A
1-test demonstration diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Demo diskettes are in Windows format. The
Examination Kit includes a 1-test demo diskette, installation CD (with instructions), test booklet, answer sheet
and some descriptive materials. Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. does want the test booklet and diskette
returned within 30 days.
How to Proceed:To become a licensed Risk & Needs
test user, click on the
User Agreement link, click on the
Print Client User
License button and
fax the completed form to
(602) 266-8227, or mail
your completed form to Risk & Needs. Upon its receipt by Risk &
Needs, you become a licensed Risk & Needs user and can order tests.
Established or Risk & Needs-licensed test users can reorder tests by mail, telephone, fax or e-mail.
Other related links are listed for reference. They are available as needed.
Test Unit Fee
(Cost) webpage link. Explains Risk & Needs' Test Unit Fees or Costs. New Client Order webpage link.
Explains steps to become a "new Risk & Needs
client." How to Order webpage link. Explains
how Risk & Needs
tests can be ordered.
Additional information can be
provided upon request. Contact Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O.
Box 44828, Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828. Risk & Needs' telephone number is
(602) 234-3506, our fax number is
(602) 266-8227 and our e-mail address is
info@riskandneeds.com.
Support Services: Risk & Needs
provides a full range of support services. These services
include e-mail, fax and telephone availability, provision of test-related information, telephone walk through assistance, staff
training and test consultation. Support services and test-related materials are provided free.
Selecting a Juvenile Screening and Referral
or Intake Test
If you are selecting a screening and referral and/or intake screening test for juveniles, the following Comparison
Checklist should prove helpful. It lists important screening test qualities. The "Other" column represents any other
test you might want to compare to the TII-Juvenile.
TII-Juvenile reports summarize a lot of important information in an easily understood format. For example, reports
include a TII-Juvenile profile (graph), which summarizes scale scores at a
glance. Also included are attained scale score paragraphs, an
explanation of what each score means and specific score-related
recommendations. In addition, significant items (direct admissions) are
highlighted, and answers to a built-in interview (last sequence of items)
are presented. Emphasis is is placed on having meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood.
The TII-Juvenile report summarizes a lot of important youth information in an
easily read and understood format. Experienced TII-Juvenile users can look
at the TII-Juvenile Profile (on the first page of the report) and quickly
understand the juveniles profile or scoring pattern. The second page of
this report explains what the youths attained scores mean and provides realistic
score related recommendations. The third page of the report summarizes
"significant items" (direct admissions) and the clients "multiple choice"
(items (132-143) answers. Space is also provided for staff
recommendations, signature, and date.
Additional information can be provided upon request by writing:
Risk
& Needs Assessment, Inc. P.O. Box 44828 Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828
Our telephone number is (602) 234-3506
Our fax number is (602) 266-8227
and
our e-mail address is
sheryl@riskandneeds.com
.
