GRAD Frequently Asked Questions

What does GRAD stand for?

GRAD stands for Global Risk Assessment Device.

What is the GRAD?

The Ohio State University has developed the GRAD in order to assist youth-serving professionals in making recommendations and referrals that are based on reliable and valid information about risk factors in 11 different domains.

The GRAD includes:

1. a user registration process;
2. a demographics page;
3. cut-off scores that categorize youth as low, moderate or high risk in each domain of interest;
4. hotlinks to interpretations and treatment recommendations corresponding to individual risk;
5. a referral/disposition tracking page to collect information on provided services; and
6. a database for longitudinal collection of multiple perspectives (youth, parent, professional).

What are the domains in the GRAD instrument?

The domains listed in the GRAD instrument include prior offenses, family/parenting, education/vocation, peers relationships, substance abuse, leisure, personality/behavior, sociability, accountability, traumatic events and health services.

How many items does the GRAD contain?

There are 40 demographic questions and 132 items on the assessment.

How long does it take to complete a GRAD assessment?

The complete assessment takes approximately 20 minutes to administer.

Who does the GRAD assess?

Currently there is a youth version and an adult version of the GRAD instrument. Users may collect assessment information with the youth only, the parent only or collect multiple perspectives. Both versions of the GRAD assess the "youth’s level of risk". When using the adult version you are asking the adult caregiver about their perceptions of the youth’s risk level.

What does "multiple perspective" mean?

Using multiple perspectives refers to collecting demographic/assessment information from both the youth and adult caregiver. Collecting data from multiple reporters is encouraged by the GRAD project as it increases the reliability of the information you are collecting.

How do I get my county/agency involved in the GRAD project?

There is a three step process the GRAD project uses to bring a new agency/county on board with the project. Once initial contact has been made the GRAD staff will begin to set up a series of meetings and presentations for your agency that will assist you in becoming acquainted with the GRAD instrument and overall project effort.

1. Meeting with key administrators at the potential user agency
2. Large group presentation for line staff and other key administrative staff
3. Meeting with key administrators to finalize timelines, deliverables and funding

Are there special technology requirements my county/agency will need to meet in order to utilize the GRAD assessment tool?

The only requirements are that you have a computer (preferably a Pentium III and above) and an internet connection.

Can my agency/county visit the GRAD site and test out the instrument?

Yes. Interested parties are provided temporary access to our test site during Step 1 of the process described above for getting involved with the GRAD project.

How much does it cost?

The GRAD project has standard fees that are associated with use of the instrument. These fees are scaled depending on the size of the agency/county and the overall number of you/families served.

Who do I contact for more information?

Steve Gavazzi, Principal Investigator
(614) 292-5620 or gavazzi.1@osu.edu

Courtney Yarcheck, Project Administrator
(614) 598-0708 or yarcheck.1@osu.edu