The CCAT is a free and non-proprietary Risk-Need-Responsivity assessment tool, but all practitioners who use the tool are required to complete each of the training modules below before administering the CCAT in your community court or community justice center. Contact CJTTAinfo@innovatingjustice.org if you have additional questions about using the CCAT.
Developed by Fred Butcher, Adelle Fontanet, Jessica Kay, Lindsey Price Jackson, and Brett Taylor.
Module One: Introduction to Risk-Need-Responsivity
Modern criminal justice reforms have called for the use of risk-need-responsivity theory to help reduce the inherent subjectivity in case processing. Yet there is growing concern over racial bias and misclassification in risk assessment. This research-based module dives deep into the origins and core principles of risk-need-responsivity and its inherent limitations – Part I examines the practical application of risk-need-responsivity theory; Part II unpacks potential racial disparities and offers strategies to help mitigate bias and implement helpful policy and practice.
Module Two: Data Collection and Fairness
This module explores the nuance to collecting and using criminal justice data in a way that acknowledges past system harms towards marginalized groups and that strives for equity and transparency in the present and future.
Module Three: Administering the CCAT
Recognizing the inherent limitations of risk-need tools, it is critical that practitioners use assessments appropriately to minimize potential harms and create positive case outcomes. This practical session examines the development of the Criminal Court Assessment Tool (CCAT), reviews all assessment domains and scoring, and provides tips for effective implementation.
Module Four: Best Practices for Implementation
Before implementing the Criminal Court Assessment Tool, jurisdictions should consider how the tool will be used and enact policies to support these goals. This module will explore the national landscape of Criminal Court Assessment Tool implementation and offer tips for effectively implementing the Criminal Court Assessment Tool, including stakeholder collaboration, data mining, decision-making frameworks, and revalidation.
This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-23-AG-00232-DGCT awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.