Preventing Sexual Abuse by Integrating Research into Practice

VASOR-2

Vermont Assessment of Sex Offender Risk-2 (VASOR-2)

The VASOR-2 is a static risk tool designed to assess risk among adult male sex offenders. It comprises a 12-item Reoffense Risk Scale and a 4-item Severity Factors Checklist. The Reoffense Risk Scale is statistically derived and is designed to assess the risk for sexual and violent recidivism. The Severity Factors Checklist is clinically derived and details the severity of sex offenses. The VASOR-2 is intended for use by trained mental health professionals and probation and parole officers. Ideally, the VASOR-2 should be used with the SOTIPS, a dynamic risk measure. The VASOR-2 Manual may be downloaded at no cost. 

PowerPoint Overview

For a brief PowerPoint overview of the VASOR-2, Click Here.

Manual

McGrath, R. J., Hoke, S. E., & Lasher, M. P. (2013). Vermont Assessment of Sex Offender Risk-2 (VASOR-2) Manual. Middlebury, VT: Author. Download VASOR-2 Manual.

Coding Sheet

Download the VASOR-2 Coding Sheet.

Recent VASOR-2 Training Sponsors

  • Cameron and Willacy County Texas Community Supervision and Corrections Department
  • Colorado Division of Probation Services 
  • Colorado Division of Parole
  • DuPage County Illinois Probation and Court Service
  • Global Institute for Forensic Research 
  • Massachusetts Probation Service
  • Missouri Probation and Parole Department
  • Nebraska Probation Programs
  • Utah Department of Corrections and Probation and Parole
  • Vermont Department of Corrections

VASOR-2 Training Workshop 

This one-day workshop uses case studies to learn how to score and use the VASOR-2. The VASOR-2 is a static risk assessment instrument for adult male sex offenders. It comprises a 12-item Reoffense Risk Scale and a 4-item Severity Factors Checklist. It is designed to be scored and used by mental health professionals and probation and parole officers. The workshop will include how to use the scale combined with the SOTIPS, a dynamic measure.

Train the Trainer Workshop 

This two-day workshop is for up to 12 trainees who have completed an authorized VASOR-2 training and at least 10 VASOR-2 assessments on individuals who have committed a sexual offense. On day one, trainees review VASOR-2 scoring criteria, the VASOR-2 Trainer Manual, training tips, and frequently asked questions. Also, trainees conduct a mock VASOR-2 training on day one and receive feedback from one of the VASOR-2 co-developers. On day two, trainees deliver a one-day VASOR-2 training to agency staff. Based upon training competency, trainees will be authorized to train staff at their agency. 

Research Report

McGrath, R. J., Lasher, M. P., & Cumming, G. F., Langton, C. M., & Hoke, S. E. (2014). Development of the Vermont Assessment of Sex Offender Risk-2 (VASOR-2) Reoffense Risk Scale. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 26, 271-290.  Download Paper.