The Utility of the HCR-20 and PCL:SV in the Prediction of Diversion Noncompliance and Reincarceration in Diversion Programs

Abstract

Diversion programs were developed to decrease the number of incarcerated mentally ill individuals. The number of diversion programs and mental health courts is rapidly growing, and an increased number of diversion programs are willing to accept defendants charged with violent felonies, stressing the need for thorough risk assessments as part of diversion eligibility evaluations. This study was designed to examine the utility of the Historical–Clinical–Risk Management–20 (HCR-20) and Psychopathy Checklist Screening Version (PCL:SV) in predicting diversion noncompliance and reincarceration in a sample of 131 defendants participating in different diversion programs in New York. Results provided support for the use of the HCR-20 and PCL:SV in the context of diversion, although the HCR-20 proved to be superior to the PCL:SV in predicting diversion noncompliance and reincarceration.