In-depth diagnostics (Call 2013-5 / 2017-73)

Target group

Forensic clients with psychiatric and/or addiction problems about whom an advisory report must be drawn up about the risk of recidivism and the treatment readiness by order of the probation officers.

Fine-tuning the in-depth diagnostics

In 2004, the instrument RISc was introduced at the probation department, to provide insight into the criminogenic factors of suspects and to estimate which factors can play a role in recidivism. Using the RISc provides insight into the offence and the offender, to determine to what extent there is a risk of recidivism and to what extent the offender is susceptible to treatment. The use of the instrument for parole services is for the benefit of the advisory process to chain partners. However, in the case of psychiatric and/or addiction problems, 'in-depth diagnostics' (IDD) is necessary to substantiate this assessment and advice adequately. The probation service requested further elaboration of this, so that standardisation and normalisation of the ‘In-depth diagnostics’ product could be achieved, which also has to meet the requirements of the various stakeholders. These requirements are, among others, that the product is of sound forensic-psychiatric quality, meets the needs (both in terms of content and form) of the probation service as a customer and is in line with the requirements of ForZo/JJI as buyer/financer of the final product. With the completion of this project, the substantiation, standardisation and normalisation of the product 'In-depth diagnostics' have been completed.

Application and effects

During this project, the concept protocol for In-depth diagnostics was piloted at three institutions, and 3RO and forensic experts were consulted. By refining this product, more attention was paid to the methodology used and the use of diagnostic instruments in the context of in-depth diagnostics, resulting in more product integrity. The fine-tuning enables forensic outpatient clinics, who perform the in-depth diagnostics on behalf of the probation officer, to use the product in practice consistently. In-depth diagnostics has since grown into a product that is frequently used in practice, where the instrument has proven to be effective and a good product for rehabilitation.

In 2017, the Forensic Network decided to implement in-depth diagnostics as the field standard. During an expert meeting, the protocol was fine-tuned and actualised by the developers. The most recent version can be found below.

Executive party

Palier & Verslavingszorg Noord Nederland