Implementing The LS/CMI in ScotlandQuality Assurance & The Learning Evaluation

Ian McIntosh; Quality Assurance Lead

The Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) in

ScotlandThe LS/CMI project:Implementation of a consistent offender risk/ needs assessment, case management & risk management planning method across agencies

The LS/CMI (Scotland) content

1. General Risk/Need Factors2. Specific Risk/Need Factors3. Prison Experience – Institutional Factors4. Other Client Issues5. Special Responsivity Considerations6. Risk/Need Summary & Override7. Risk/Need Profile & Analysis of Offending8. Programme/Placement Decision9. Case Planning

10. Progress Record11. Discharge Summary

LSI-R:SV & Initial Analysis of OffendingOffender History Form

RoSH/ Analysis of OffendingRisk Management Planning

Scan

Examine

Scrutiny

• Piloted in 1 community Criminal Justice Social Work area & 1 prison

• Informed development of national training & evaluation strategy

Pilot

Electronic version – allows information sharing

Introduced across all CJSW services and prisons in Scotland

National training & implementation completed March 2012 (1000+ staff)

The LS/CMI system in Scotland

Evaluation & other QA Measures Matter

• Considerable investment (££ & time)

• Need to ensure the method implemented well & used effectively

• Need for ongoing evaluation & other QA measures

LS/CMI Training: Learning Objectives

• To have a working knowledge of the application of the of the LS/CMI approach in Scotland (appropriate & proportionate assessment and communicating it meaningfully)

• To have a working knowledge of the underpinning research & theoretical rationale of the LS/CMI

• To have a working knowledge of the implications of the RNR model for the assessment & management of offending behaviour

• To understand and be able to make responsible use of the LSI:SV and the analysis of offending

• To understand and be able to make responsible use of the LS/CMI including analysis of offending and case management planning

• To gain awareness of the assessment of risk of serious harm

• To gain awareness of the elements of risk management planning

Meeting these objectives/ how is quality assured?

• Complete training course (!)

• Knowledge & skills tested: pre & immediate post training

• Immediate post-training questionnaire

BUT

• Does the learning transfer into the ‘real world’…?

Learning Evaluation

2 weeks before training Pre-course reading & online knowledge test

Post course Online course evaluation

3 months post training Online learning questionnaire

6 months post implementation Focus Group(1/2 day)

Learning Evaluation - Interim Findings

• Final report: September 2012

• Comparison of prior experience vs new users of the LS method

• pre-course briefing is a resource that could be better delivered

• Course too long/ too short…?

• Learning Gain all shifted in a positive direction but least confident = If/ then rules

Learning Evaluation – Focus Groups

Retention of learning?6 months after started using:

• focus groups

• Scoring exercise

• Main issue: inconsistent identification/ use of strengths

Learning Evaluation – Focus Groups

• Need for ‘refresher training’ & ongoing support, but…

• Refresher ‘training’ – not necessarily a need for additional external training events

• A role for local champions/ mentors, but…

• Need to provide ongoing support and guidance for champions/ mentors.

Next Steps…

• Learning from the evaluation to inform further development of training

• Users Forum to develop role of and to support locally identified champions/ mentors

Next Steps…

• Further evaluation of transfer of learning into practice

- data on all assessments to be analysed (monthly)

- samples of case management plans (6 monthly)

- samples of risk management plans (12 months)…to consider

Next Steps…

• What are the identified risk/needs – locally & nationally?

• Does assessed risk/ need level correspond with decisions regarding level of intervention?

• Are higher needs reflected within case plans?

• ..and more

Quality!

Thank you

Further information available:

www.rmascotland.gov.uk

Email Ian.McIntosh@rmascotland.gsi.gov.uk