The generalizability of the LSI-R and the CAT to the prediction of recidivism in female offenders

The prediction of recidivism of female offenders has lagged behind that of their male counterparts. The present study was designed to extend the work of previous research on the Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R) and to examine the utility of another measure-the Childhood and Adolescent Taxon Scale (CAT)-in the prediction of recidivism among female offenders. Participants, 100 female offenders serving sentences of more than 2 years in Canada, completed a self-report version of both instruments. Results indicated acceptable reliability and predictive validity for both measures, and both measures distinguished recidivists from nonrecidivists. Results are discussed in light of previous research and future directions for the examination of the prediction of recidivism among female offenders.