TOWARD CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT AND EMPIRICAL MEASUREMENT OF GLOBAL RISK INDICATORS IN THE LIVES OF COURT-INVOLVED YOUTH '

Summary.-This paper reports work related to the conceptual development and empirical use of global risk indicators meant to measure rapidly and reliably potential threats to the overall development and well-being of adolescents in the juvenile justic system. The development of these indicators and initial data regarding their use with court involved samples are presented. Analysis of data gathered from 3 sample containing 248 families of adolescents who participated in a family-based diversion program identified a seven-factor structure that corresponded to theoretically derived dimensions of risk in domains associated with prior offenses, family/parenting, education/work, peers, substance use, personahty/behavior problems, and attirudes/orientation. Analysis of data gathered from a second sample containing 373 families of adolescents who came into contact with the intakddiversion department of a county juvenile court codirmed the original seven factors of the battery and generated support for an eighth dimension composed of items char reElecred leisure activities. The use of these global risk indicators are discussed as part of a practical and effective assessment battery for professionals working with court-involved youth and [heir families. Each year, large numbers of youth involved in illegal activity have con