NCJ Number
176606
Date Published
1998
Length
302 pages
Annotation
This practical guide summarizes concepts and methods for performing several types of forensic evaluations in delinquency cases.
Abstract
The book's aim is to help mental health professionals perform evaluations that will offer information to courts relevant for legal decisions; meet the needs of youth and society; and satisfy legal, ethical, and scientific standards for the mental health professions. The first chapter is a general introduction to some fundamentals that provide a background for all delinquency evaluations for juvenile courts. It encompasses the basics of juvenile law, the nature of juvenile courts, and the legal process in delinquency cases; the role of the forensic mental health professional in delinquency cases; and some key concepts in adolescent development, adolescent criminal behavior, adolescent psychopathology, and the assessment of adolescents. Four chapters then describe four types of evaluations for juvenile courts: capacities of juveniles to waive Miranda rights, juveniles' competence to stand trial, risk of harm to others, and the assessment of rehabilitation needs. Another chapter describes evaluations for hearings on the potential waiver of youths to criminal court for trial and sentencing as adults. The concluding chapter discusses a number of professional and ethical issues that often arise in evaluations for juvenile courts. 186 references, a glossary of terms, and a subject index