Should actuarial risk assessments be used with sex offenders who are intellectually disabled?

Background Objective actuarial assessments are critical for making risk decisions, determining the necessary level of supervision and intensity of treatment (Andrews & Bonta 2003). This paper reviews the history of organized risk assessment and discusses some issues in current attitudes towards sexual offenders with intellectual disabilities. Methods We present two risk assessment tools (RRASOR and STABLE-2000) that appear to have practical utility with this population. Data are presented from a community sample of 81 sexual offenders who are intellectually disabled suggesting that the RRASOR may provide a useful metric of risk for this population. Dynamic risk is assessed using the STABLE-2000. This tool, based on 16 areas empirically associated with sexual recidivism, samples the individuals' current behaviour, skill deficits and personality factors. Change in these factors serves to flag the supervisor to changing risk levels. Conclulsions In addressing the question of whether we should seek special risk measures normed on people with intellectually disabilities, given the current lack of alternative tools, we conclude that it is reasonable to make use of the risk assessments that have been validated on the general sex offender population.