Intellectual Evaluation and Social Labeling: An Assessment Proposal for Institutionalized Delinquents

Intellectual assessment of institutionalized delinquents is discussed as a social labeling process. A three-step hierarchical evaluation schema is proposed to maximize the accuracy and efficiency of assessment procedures and minimize negative labeling. The system assumes that individual intelligence testing is preferred, but recognized that staff and financial resources will frequently not permit individual testing of all institutionalized delinquents.