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Psychometric Study of the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale: Prediction of Contact with the Law and Poor School Attendance

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Abstract

The predictive validity of the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) is investigated using the data set generated by the national evaluation of the demonstration service grants funded by the Center for Mental Health Services. Logistic regressions were performed separately for contact with the law and poor school attendance, which were both assessed at 6 months postintake. Other variables included in the model besides the CAFAS total score at intake were age, gender, and family risk factors. The results show that the CAFAS total score at intake was a positive predictor of the likelihood of contact with the law and poor school attendance, even after controlling for age, gender, and risk factors. Furthermore, the CAFAS total score was predictive even after excluding scores on CAFAS subscales, which may have been influenced by absenteeism or delinquency. These findings are consistent with recent research indicating that the CAFAS predicts recidivism in juvenile delinquents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology and Applied Research Unit, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI

    Kay Hodges (Professor)

  2. 2140 Old Earhart Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105

    Kay Hodges (Professor)

  3. The Institute for the Aged, SungKongHoe University, Seoul, Korea

    Cheong-Seok Kim (Senior Researcher)

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  1. Kay Hodges
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  2. Cheong-Seok Kim
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This research was conducted while the author was a Research Associate at the Population Studies Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

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Hodges, K., Kim, CS. Psychometric Study of the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale: Prediction of Contact with the Law and Poor School Attendance. J Abnorm Child Psychol 28, 287–297 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005100521818

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