What Is an SBRA?

Current Utah and NOJOS materials reviewed February 2022

An SBRA is a Sexual Behavioral Risk Assessment. In Utah, it is used to examine a young person’s sexual behavior, possible reasons for the behavior, current needs, family situation, and possible risk of future harmful sexual behavior. The evaluator may interview the child and parents, review police and court records, and use recognized assessment tools. The final report may recommend a NOJOS treatment level, safety plan, supervision rules, placement, and other services.

Why would a child take an SBRA?

  • If the juvenile court rules that the child committed an offense.
  • If the child voluntarily admits to the offense and agrees to a nonjudicial adjustment.

When should a child not agree to an SBRA?

  • If the child denies the alleged behavior.
  • If a court has not found that the child has committed the offense.

Participating is not an admission of guilt

Being referred to or taking part in an SBRA does not, by itself, mean that the child or parent is admitting that the accusation is true.

An SBRA is an assessment, not a court hearing. The evaluator does not decide whether the child is legally guilty or innocent. The report should clearly explain whether the behavior:

  • Was found by a court to have happened.
  • Is admitted by the child.
  • Is denied by the child.
  • Is still an accusation that has not been decided.

Current NOJOS ethical guidance says that an SBRA is normally used for a teenager whom a court has found responsible for a sexual offense. It may also be used when there has been no court decision but the child fully admits the behavior. In that situation, the report should clearly state that the assessment is not a legal decision that the child committed an offense.

If the child denies the accusation, the report should not quietly treat the accusation as a proven fact. It should include the child’s denial and clearly identify information that remains disputed.

Parents should also understand that what the child says during the assessment may appear in the written report. If the accusation is still being investigated or the child denies it, the family should speak with the child’s attorney before the assessment.

What does an SBRA do?

The main purpose of an SBRA is to recommend a NOJOS treatment level.

To make that recommendation, the evaluator looks at the child’s behavior, age, development, needs, strengths, family situation, and possible risk of future harmful behavior. The report may also recommend treatment, supervision, safety-plan rules, contact restrictions, placement, or further evaluation.

What is the difference between an SBRA and an SBA?

Sexual Behavioral Risk Assessment—or SBRA

An SBRA includes an estimate of the child’s risk of future harmful sexual behavior. It is normally used for older children and teenagers when the child’s age, behavior, and situation make formal risk-assessment tools appropriate.

Sexual Behavioral Assessment—or SBA

An SBA focuses on understanding a child’s sexual behavior and deciding what help or education the child may need. It is usually used for children under about age 12, because the risk tools used for teenagers may not be appropriate for younger children.

An SBA may also be used when the behavior involved curiosity, confusion, poor boundaries, or limited sexual knowledge rather than force or aggression. It does not try to estimate future sexual risk in the same way as an SBRA. Current NOJOS guidance says that when formal risk tools do not fit the child or the behavior, the evaluator should use an SBA rather than force the child into a risk category.

What can the report affect?

The recommendations in an SBRA or SBA may affect:

  • The kind and length of treatment.
  • The NOJOS treatment level.
  • Safety-plan restrictions.
  • Contact with siblings and other children.
  • Supervision at home and in public.
  • School and extracurricular activities.
  • Whether the child can remain at home.
  • When restrictions or treatment may be reduced.

Parents should read the complete report and check it for factual mistakes, missing information, and accusations presented as facts. If something important is wrong, raise the concern promptly and in writing.

Questions parents can ask

Before the assessment, parents can ask:

  • Is this an SBRA or an SBA?
  • Why is this type of assessment appropriate?
  • Is the behavior admitted, denied, or already decided by a court?
  • Are the assessment tools appropriate for this child?
  • Will the evaluator clearly identify disputed information?
  • Will both parents have an opportunity to provide information?
  • Is the evaluator independent from the treatment provider?
  • Who will receive the report?
  • Will the family receive a complete copy?

The assessment may shape what happens to the child and family for months or longer. Parents have good reason to understand the process and make sure the evaluator receives complete and accurate information.

Sources

Important disclaimer

NOJOS Help is an independent website written by a parent. It is not affiliated with, operated by, sponsored by, or endorsed by NOJOS, the NOJOS organization, or any NOJOS-approved provider.

NOJOS Help is not a law firm. This site provides general educational information and does not provide legal or clinical advice or create an attorney-client or therapist-client relationship. Laws, policies, and treatment guidelines can change, and the appropriate response depends on each family’s circumstances. Families facing an investigation, juvenile proceeding, assessment, or treatment decision should consult qualified independent professionals.