Risk-need assessment for youth with or at risk for conduct problems: introducing the assessment system ESTER

This paper introduces ESTER, a research based and computerized risk-need assessment system for youths (0-18 years) with or at risk for conduct problems. The ESTER-system includes a screening tool/questionnaire (ESTER-screening) and a professional structured risk-need assessment instrument (ESTER-assessment). This article briefly presents the background and purpose of ESTER, and the risk and protective factors assessed. It also illustrates how the computerized system effectively helps in presenting results of single as well as repeated assessments, assisting the practitioner in tailoring suitable interventions.