L12

“MEGA^♪” THE NEW RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR SEXUALLY ABUSIVE YOUTH:  VALIDATION STUDY UPDATE

Presenters: L.C. Miccio-Fonseca, Lucinda Rasmussen

Abstract Category: Offenders

Instruction Level: Advanced

Presentation: Click Here

Description:

An update on the validation research for the Multiplex Empirically Guided Inventory of Ecological Aggregates for Assessing Sexually Abusive Adolescents and Children (Age 19 and Under) (MEGA^♪, Miccio-Fonseca, 2006). MEGA^♪ is a new tool for assessing risk for sexually abusive behavior in all youth under the age of 19 (including males and females, adolescents and children, and the developmentally delayed).

Abstract:

This presentation provides an update on the validation research for the Multiplex Empirically Guided Inventory of Ecological Aggregates for Assessing Sexually Abusive Adolescents and Children (Age 19 and Under) (MEGA^♪, Miccio-Fonseca, 2006). MEGA^♪ is a new state-of-the-art tool for assessing risk for sexually abusive behavior in all youth under the age of 19 (including males and females, adolescents and children, and the developmentally delayed). It provides a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of factors that either increase or decrease the youth’s risk for sexually abusive behavior. MEGA^♪ consists of multiple scales that give an Individualized Profile identifying target areas to be addressed in the youth’s treatment, including Dynamical and Protective Factors scales that can track changes in the youth and show improvement. The MEGA^♪ Individualized Profile gives direction to the services that are provided along the continuum of care related to identifying, assessing, treating, and managing children and adolescents who offend sexually. Current validation data are presented, with discussion of feedback from professionals about the benefits of using the MEGA^♪ risk assessment tool when intervening with sexually abusive youth.