Development of the Reintegration Potential Index (RPI) Assessment Tool

The purpose of this project was to identify a method by which the reintegration needs of prisoners could be reliably assessed. A review of scale development, implementation strategies, data collection techniques and validation methodologies conducted with SPS staff identified a number of important issues regarding the function and purpose of the Reintegration Potential Index (RPI) as well as difficulties associated with implementation. Based on feedback from those responsible for the administration of the current tool, the measure in its current format has been identified as too laborious and/or time-consuming. Other factors identified as relevant to developing the new tool are: (a) that it can be administered by senior officers in conjunction with the Personal Route Map; (b) that it will be used early in the inmate’s sentence and then again following program participation to determine whether identified needs have been met; and (c) that the tool can be integrated into the assessment framework within two years.