Representing the Learning Disabled Child in the Juvenile Justice and Family Court Systems (From Representing Learning Disabled Children: A Manual for Attorneys, P 94-127, 1987, Matthew B Bogin and Beth Goodman)

• NCJ Number: 109246
• Author(s): M B Bogin; B Goodman
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 34 pages
• Corporate Author: American Bar Assoc
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; American Bar Assoc
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper details procedures for defending the learning disabled child in delinquency proceedings and in the family court system.

Abstract

After discussing the link between learning disabilities and juvenile delinquency, the paper discusses various procedures involved in defending the learning disabled child in delinquency proceedings. Pretrial stages discussed are diversion, detention and transfer hearings, and motions (to dismiss, to suppress statements, for continuance, and for reconsideration). The defense counsel's role in the trial and disposition is also discussed. An examination of the link between learning disabilities and abuse and neglect is followed by a description of procedures for representing the learning disabled child in the family court system. The latter encompasses the initial hearing, the factfinding hearing, and the disposition. Overall, the defense counsel's role is to ensure that the learning disabled child is adequately assessed in the areas of psychological and intellectual development and that court proceedings and dispositions take into account the findings of such an assessment. 31 footnotes.