Hi Mike, As I understand it, they began with a list of ~50 variables. Through meetings with a working group at St. Joseph's Hospital, consultation with staff and other colleagues as well of review of the literature, they eventually rendered this list down to the 20 items that are currently included. I've attached the Webster et al. 2006 article we published in Behavioral Sciences & the Law. It provides a more detailed explanation of the development process, for those who are interested and haven't seen this article before. Best, Sarah L. Desmarais, Ph.D. Junior Research Scientist, Forensic Psychiatric Hospital BC Mental Health & Addiction Services Post Doctoral Research Fellow, School of Population and Public Health Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow, Department of Psychology University of British Columbia ________________________________ From: startgroup-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx on behalf of Mike Doyle Sent: Thu 09/07/2009 1:15 PM To: startgroup@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [startgroup] START Nice one Roger! Looking forwarwd to networking with alll on the list. First query; where did the 20 items of the START come from? Thanks Mike