- 1. Truthfulness Scale
- 2. Self-Esteem Scale
- 3. Outlook Scale
- 4. Adjustment Scale
- 5. Depression Scale
- 6. Anxiety Scale
- 7. Suicide Scale
- 8. Control Scale
- 9. Violence Scale
- 10. Alcohol Scale
- 11. Drugs Scale and
- 14. Stress Coping Abilities Scale.
The twelve JTO scales (measures) are the criterion for comparison. These scales are a standard by means of which a judgment (improved,
stayed the same or got worse) can be made. Pretest scale scores are the baseline against which posttest scale scores are compared.
The attitudes and behaviors attained at the pretest represent the standard used to evaluate subsequent posttest scale scores. JTO
pretest scale scores are the standard for judging outcome, for example at posttest, if the posttest scale score is higher than the pretest
scale score - then the client got worse. If pretest and posttest scores are the same - the client stayed the same. And if the
posttest scales are lower than the pretest scale scores - the client improved or got better.
Twelve Juvenile Treatment Outcome Scales
1. Truthfulness Scale:
determines how truthful the juvenile was while completing the test. This scale identifies
denial, defensiveness, attempts to minimize problems and "faking good."
2. Self-Esteem
Scale:reflects a youth's explicit valuing and appraisal of
self. Self-Esteem incorporates an attitude of acceptance-approval versus rejection-disapproval. It measures a person's
perception of self.
3.
Outlook Scale:
reflects a relatively stable predisposition to react to life adjustments in a consistent way. A person's
outlook or attitudes are complex and include enduring preferences, prejudices, views and predilections. Simply stated juveniles
often convey a positive, negative or neutral outlook.
4. Adjustment
Scale: measures the youth's ability to adapt, conform and
function. This scale recognizes personal and social stressors at home, school and in authority relationships. It incorporates
personal and social forces involved in adapting to one's environment.
5.
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.
6.
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."
7.
Control Scale: measures a youth's need
to control others. In social psychology control is often a synonym for power and influence. Control refers to the process of
regulating, restraining or controlling others.
8.
Violence Scale:measures the juvenile's propensity for using force to injure, damage or destroy. This scale identifies people that
are dangerous to themselves and others.
9.
Suicide Scale:
identifies suicide prone juveniles. These youth are often desperate, overwhelmed, emotionally isolated while
manifesting suicidal ideation and symptomatology.
10. Alcohol Scale:
measures alcohol use and the severity
of abuse. "Alcohol" refers to beer, wine and other liquors. This scale measures the
severity of alcohol abuse while identifying alcohol-related
problems.
11. Drugs
Scale: measures the severity of drug (marijuana, crack, ice, LSD, ecstasy, amphetamines, barbiturates and
heroin) use and abuse while identifying drug-related problems.
12. Stress Coping
Abilities Scale: measures the youth's ability to cope
effectively with stress, tension and pressure. Stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptoms. This is a
non-introversive way to screen for the presence of diagnosable mental health problems.
JTO REPORTS
The Juvenile Treatment Outcome (JTO) measures attitudes and behaviors important to
counseling and treatment outcome. In brief, there are two Juvenile Treatment Outcome (JTO) reports. The Pretest
report is generated the first time a juvenile is tested. The Treatment Outcome report results from a computer-generated comparison of JTO
Pretest and JTO Posttest results. Scale scores in the JTO Treatment Outcome report are reported in terms of having improved,
stayed the same or gotten worse.
This test is scheduled to be added to our online testing platform,
www.online-testing.com.
As noted earlier, the Treatment Outcome Report results from a computer generated
comparison of the JTO Pretest scale and JTO Posttest scale results. And the JTO Treatment Outcome Report objectively compares
pretest with posttest scores to show if the juvenile's scale scores improved, stayed the same or got worse.
To help insure accurate pre-post comparison juveniles are instructed to answer JTO
statements in the "present" tense and how the feel "now." Instructions continue "If
necessary use the last month (30 days) as your reference." In addition, several JTO items refer to "this past
month (30 days)" as additional "time reference" reminders.
It should be noted that youth's are administered the same JTO test
twice. The juvenile's responses to the first JTO test administration are then the comparison criteria for subsequent JTO test
administrations. Using the youth's first JTO test scores as the standard against which subsequent JTO test administrations are
compared has several advantages. JTO orientation is consistent. Each individual's interpretation of JTO instructions,
although individualized or even idiosyncratic, is more likely to be uniform. JTO scales (measures) are then the comparison
criteria. This insures comparison of objective, unchanging and measurable scale scores.
The Juvenile Treatment Outcome test is to be used as an objective outcome instrument
that measures important attitudes and behaviors typically addressed in juvenile counseling/treatment/therapeutic programs.
The JTO Pretest is administered before counseling/treatment.
The Posttest is administered after treatment.
The Example Reports are available here for review.
Software
The Juvenile Treatment Outcome (JTO) is available in Windows format. Windows
diskettes require a one time computer setup procedure after which JTO data diskettes (25 or 50 test applications) are used. Training
manuals are provided and new test users can be walked through these procedures over Behavior Data Systems (BDS) telephone
line.
Proprietary data diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications. The
3½" data diskettes score, interpret and print JTO reports on-site.
How the System Works
Once your testing account is established with BDS ordered diskettes are mailed to
users. Ninety-eight percent of new orders are lace n the same day's return mail. When all test applications are use on a
data (25 or 50 tests) diskette, you should "delete" all client (respondent) names and return the diskette to BDS where the
test data and demographics are downloaded into the JTO database for subsequent research analysis. This is done at no additional cost
to test users.
The proprietary "delete names" program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to
delete all client names from diskettes before they are returned to BDS. Deleting all client names insures juvenile
confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R 164.501).
JTO Database
The JTO system contains a built-in database. Earlier it was noted that all JTO
used diskettes are returned to BDS, and the test data along with juvenile demographics (age, gender, education) are downloaded into the
JTO database. This database allows ongoing database research and testing program summary -- at no additional cost. Ongoing
research insures quality control. Testing programs summaries provide program self-evaluation.
Built-in Database
JTO permits ongoing research and annual program summary -- at no additional
cost. As discussed earlier, when the 25 or 50 test applications or a diskette are used, that diskette is returned to BDS, and
downloaded into JTO's expanding database (research) analysis and annual summary reports. To review an annual summary report
click on thisAnnual Summary Report link.
No personal information, names, social security numbers, etc. are ever downloaded into any
test database.
In summary, having all used JTO test diskettes centrally filed at BDS offices in the JTO database has many
advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that includes scale alpha coefficients, frequency
distributions, correlations, ANOVA, cross-tab statistics along with reliability, validity and accuracy determinations.
After downloading test data returned diskettes are destroyed.
Annual Summary Reports
BDS 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 free annual reports is 350 tests. This is no maximum limit. BDS's annual summary reports range in
size from 350 to over 55,000 tests annually. An example annual summary report can be viewed by clicking on this
Annual Summary Report link.
Research: Reliability, Validity and Accuracy. The JTO has a built-in database that insures inclusion of
tests administered in a confidential "no names" manner. And, these reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are in
the document titled "JTO: An Inventory of Scientific Findings."
JTO Reliability
Within-test reliability or inter-item reliability coefficients alphas for the JTO
are presented in the table below. As demonstrated in the table, alpha coefficients for all JTO scales are well above the
professionally accepted standard of .80. Indeed, all of the JTO scales are at or above .84. These high reliability statistics
are very impressive for an outcome test. These results show that the JTO is a very reliable outcome assessment instrument or
test.
JTO Pretest and Posttest test booklets are the same. The Pretest is
administered before counseling/treatment and the Posttest is administered after treatment.
Juvenile Treatment Outcome
The reliability coefficients demonstrate that the JTO maintains high test-retest
reliability. The JTO Posttest reliability coefficients are as high as the Pretest coefficients.
All JTO scales have alpha coefficients well above the professionally accepted
standard of .80 and are highly reliable. And, all coefficients alphas are significant at the P.001 level. People interested in
an "outcome" test might initially inquire about the test's Pretest-Posttest relationship. Scores between the
Pretest and Posttest vary to an unknown degree because of the impact of the intervention (counseling or treatment) is unknown until
demonstrated by the Pretest-Posttest outcome comparison. Establishing this relationship is the purpose of the JTO that is to measure
the impact of the intervention (counseling or treatment). Successful treatment should result in lower Posttest scores. In
contrast, ineffective or unsuccessful counseling or treatment should result in higher Posttest scale scores.
Staff Member Input
Some mental health professionals advocate fully automating assessment. BDS
does not. The JTO is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. Experienced staff should also interview the
client. For these reasons, the following statement is contained on each JTO report: "The JTO is to be used in conjunction with
experienced staff judgment. No diagnosis or decision should be based solely upon JTO results."
Truthfulness Scale
This scale identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. It is now known
that most problematic juveniles attempt to minimize their problems. We believe a Truthfulness Scale is a necessary component in
contemporary tests. The JTO has been validated with Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), polygraph exams, and other
tests. The JTO Truthfulness Scale has been empirically demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. In some respects the
JTO Truthfulness Scale is similar to the MMPI's L and F scales. It consists of a number of items that most juveniles agree or
disagree with.
Selecting an Outcome Test
If you are searching for a juvenile outcome assessment instrument or test, the
following Comparison Checklist should prove helpful. It lists important "outcome" test characteristics. The
"Other" column represents any other outcome (treatment effectiveness) test you might want to compare to the Juvenile treatment
Outcome (JTO).
|
TEST COMPARISON CHECKLIST |
|
COMPARISON CATEGORIES |
JTO |
Other |
|
Designed Specifically for Juvenile Assessment |
Yes |
|
|
Test Reliability & Validity Research Provided |
Yes |
|
|
Test Completed in 15 to 20 Minutes |
Yes |
|
|
On-Site Reports within 2½ Minutes |
Yes |
|
|
Truthfulness Scale to Detect Faking |
Yes |
|
|
Truth-Corrected Scores for Accuracy |
Yes |
|
|
Three Test Administration Options |
Yes |
|
|
1. Paper-Pencil (English and Spanish) |
Yes |
|
|
2. On Computer Screen (English and Spanish) |
Yes |
|
|
3. Human Voice Audio (English and Spanish) |
Yes |
|
|
Delete Juveniles Names (confidentiality) procedure |
Yes |
|
|
HIPAA (federal regulation) Compliant |
Yes |
|
|
Very Affordable Test Unit Fee |
Yes |
|
|
Test Data Input Verification (accurate scoring) |
Yes |
|
|
Available in English and Spanish |
Yes |
|
|
Built-in Database |
Yes |
|
|
Annual Database Research (Free) |
Yes |
|
|
Annual Test Program Summary (Free) |
Yes |
|
|
Comprehensive Assessment (Five Scales) |
Yes |
|
|
Specific Scale Score-Related Recommendations |
Yes |
|
|
Alcohol and Drugs Scales |
Yes |
|
|
Distress Scale |
Yes |
|
|
Adjustment Scale |
Yes |
|
|
Easily Understood and Helpful Reports |
Yes |
|
|
ASAM Compatible Recommendations |
Yes |
|
|
Staff Training (Free) |
Yes |
|
|
Examination Kits (Free) |
Yes |
|
Reading Impaired Assessment
Reading impaired juveniles represent 20+ percent of the juveniles tested.
This represents a serious problem to other tests. BDS has developed an alternative for dealing with this problem: Human Voice
Audio.
Human Voice Audio
Presentation of the JTO is in English and Spanish. Juvenile's passive
vocabularies are often greater than their active (spoken) vocabularies. Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce cultural and
communication problems. This test administration mode requires earphones and simple instructions to orient the youth to the up-down
arrow keys on the keyboard. Human Voice Audio provides an alternative for testing reading impaired juveniles.
Confidentiality
Behavior Data Systems (BDS) encourages test users to delete juvenile's names
from diskettes before they are returned to BDS. Once a youth's name is deleted, it is gone and cannot be retrieved.
Deleting names does not delete demographics or test data, which is downloaded into the JTO database for subsequent analysis. This
proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes and insures youth confidentiality and full compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
Test Data Input Verification
Data input verification allows the person that inputs test data from an 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 the second data entries match or are
the same, the staff person can continue.
Orientation and Training Manual
The "JTO Orientation and Training Manual" explains how the JTO
works. It is recommended to staff that will be using the JTO. This manual's content includes the following:
instructions for testing, an explanation of scoring, description of unique JTO features and much more.
Staff Training
BDS's staff are available to participants in JTO training programs conducted
by statewide programs, departments and high volume testing agencies in the United States and Canada. Sometimes smaller volume
providers get together for collective (multiple providers) on-site training. BDS gives attendees certificates attesting to their
JTO training.
Staff training is also provided on Fridays at BDS's Phoenix Arizona offices
from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. These training sessions are free. To participate contact BDS at
least 10 working days in advance. Participation is on a first call, first scheduled basis.
Cost (Test Unit Fee)
JTO cost information can be reviewed by clicking on this Prices
link. There is only the one cost or charge which we call the Test Unit Fee. Everything else is included at no
additional cost to the test user. This includes test booklets, training manuals, upgrades, ongoing database research, annual
summary reports, staff training and support services.
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. Behavior Data Systems, Ltd. does want the
test booklet and diskette returned within 30 days.
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