I’ve Completed the Risk/Needs Assessment—Now What? Sharing Assessment Results With Justice-Involved Individuals
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SESSION INFO

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Session Type: Workshop
Risk/Needs assessments are a fundamental part of sentencing, community supervision, guiding supervision levels and case planning. The term assessment originates from the Latin word assidere, meaning to sit beside—a reminder that our role is not just to assess but also to engage. Too often, officers quickly move from completing the assessment to making sentencing recommendations and supervision decisions without fully involving the individual in the process. However, meaningful engagement with justice-involved individuals about their assessment results can foster collaboration, increase motivation, and lead to more effective supervision outcomes. This interactive session will provide a structured approach for officers to share assessment results, offer meaningful feedback, and explore the individual’s perspective on the findings. Participants will learn how to communicate assessment data in a way that encourages understanding, self-reflection, and buy-in for next steps.

SESSION PRESENTERS
Paul Hofmann
Probation and Parole Outreach Liaison for Region 8, American Probation and Parole Association


Paul Hofmann is the Probation and Parole Outreach Liaison for the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) in NHTSA Region 8. Previously, Paul worked for Colorado's Judicial Department in the Division of Probation Services as a probation analyst. In this role, he oversaw the state's Alcohol and Drug Driving Safety Program, supported local probation departments in staff training, conducted offender assessments, and supervised DWI offenders. Paul also collaborated with Colorado's Highway Safety Office to secure training and funding for the establishment of the state's first six DWI courts. He brings over 30 years of experience in training probation and parole officers, community corrections case managers, and substance abuse counselors.