J SOAP-D III (Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol- Dutch version III)

Child Protection Board

In criminal investigations involving a sex offence or sexually transgressive behaviour by juveniles (aged 12-18), the J-SOAP D (version III) is used (in addition to the LIJ instruments). The J-SOAP D is used to estimate the risk profile and recidivism risk for vice.

Last change on 3rd of December 2025, at 13:11 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0

• Publication category: Impactful algorithms
• Impact assessment: Field not filled in.
• Status: In use

General information

Theme

Law

Begin date

2016

Contact information

[e-mail]

Responsible use

Goal and impact

Objective:

The J-SOAP helps professionals to assess risk factors in juveniles (12-18 years) suspected of committing a sexual offence in a structured and objective manner and, based on this, provide appropriate advice for punishment and/or assistance.

Impact:

The tool contributes to the drafting of a recommendation by the RvdK for a punishment and/or assistance, determining the degree of supervision and monitoring risk changes. This supports the Child Protection Board's mission to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

Considerations

The J-SOAP-D provides a standard method for measuring risk, but interpretation of the scores requires expert input.

The results should not serve as the sole basis for decisions. Clinical and contextual information (e.g. from case studies and interviews) should always be included in the assessment.

Human intervention

The results of the J-SOAP-D are interpreted by experienced and trained counsellors if necessary with the help of experienced behavioural experts. They use the scores together with additional information to arrive at a comprehensive risk assessment and advice.

Risk management

Specific risks have been identified for the use of the algorithm itself. These are managed as follows:

Misinterpretation:

There is a risk of misinterpreting the outcomes of the tool, especially when users have inadequate training. Therefore, there is a mandatory training programme for all professionals involved.

Incomplete or outdated data:

The tool depends on the completeness and timeliness of data (e.g. client files, police and court records). Incomplete or outdated data can lead to incorrect scores. Regular updates and quality checks of the data used are ensured.

Overreliance on the algorithm:

A risk is that decisions are made solely on the basis of the J-SOAP scores, without the necessary additional clinical and contextual information. To avoid this, scores should always be interpreted in combination with other relevant information and expert consultation.

Inadequate evaluation and updating:

If the instrument is not periodically evaluated and updated, it may negatively affect its long-term validity and reliability. Evaluation and update procedures have therefore been put in place to ensure effectiveness and relevance.

Implementation errors:

Errors in the application of the instrument, such as inconsistent use between professionals, pose a risk. Clear guidelines and procedures have therefore been established for the implementation and monitoring of the use of J-SOAP within the Child Protection Council.

Legal basis

The basis for the RvdK's use of J-SOAP lies in its legal duties. The tasks that apply when using J-SOAP are set out in the Criminal Code (Sr) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Sv). The advisory task in the event of a behaviour-influencing measure is described in article 77w, paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code, the advisory task in the event of detention and early assistance is described in article 490 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the advisory task in criminal cases of juveniles is described in articles 494/494a/498 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Below are hyperlinks to the articles of law in the above order.

Links to legal bases

• Section 77w Penal Code: https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0001854&boek=Eerste&titeldeel=VIII_A&artikel=77w&z=2023-10-01&g=2023-10-01
• Article 490 Code of Criminal Procedure: https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0001903&boek=Vierde&titeldeel=II&afdeling=Tweede&artikel=490&z=2023-10-01&g=2023-10-01
• Sections 494/494a/498 Code of Criminal Procedure: https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0001903&boek=Vierde&titeldeel=II&afdeling=Tweede&artikel=494&z=2023-10-01&g=2023-10-01

Elaboration on impact assessments

Based on the guidelines of the Personal Data Authority (AP), a DPIA is only mandatory when a data processing operation is likely to present a high risk to the rights and freedoms of data subjects. In this case, a DPIA is not necessary, for the following reasons:

1. The algorithm does not process personal data (directly or indirectly), or does so only on a very limited scale. No unique identifiers, sensitive data or large amounts of data are processed that can be traced back to individuals;

2. The algorithm is not used to make automated decisions that have legal consequences or could have a significant impact on data subjects (such as profiling, selection or exclusion);

3. There is no systematic observation or profiling of behaviour, location or other characteristics of individuals;

4. The algorithm does not introduce structural risks of unjustified discrimination or exclusion of certain groups of people;

5. The algorithm is used only within a controlled environment, without structural risks for a large group of individuals involved.

Operations

Data

The tool uses data taken from:

• Client files
• Police and court records
• Clinical evaluations

Technical design

The J-SOAP instrument consists of 28 questions. For each question, the assessor gives a score between 0 and 2. This means:

• 0: The risk does not occur.
• 1: The risk occurs to a limited extent.
• 2: The risk clearly occurs.

The scores for all 28 questions are added together. The total can be a maximum of 56 points (28 x 2). This total is converted into a percentage. That percentage indicates how much risk is present. This allows one to quickly see whether a young person needs extra help or stricter supervision.

External provider

The J-SOAP instrument was developed by: Dr Robert A. Prentky (Ph.D.), Fairleigh Dickinson University and the Justice Resource Institute. Dr Sue Righthand (Ph.D.), University of Maine.