Clinical evaluations for transfer of juveniles to criminal court: current practices and future research

Behav Sci Law. 1997 Spring;15(2):151-65. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1099-0798(199721)15:2<151::aid-bsl267>3.0.co;2-u.

Abstract

Completing clinical evaluations of juveniles considered for transfer to criminal court requires specialized expertise. However, there is little empirical foundation upon which they can be based. Within each of the three major evaluation domains (amenability to treatment, risk for future violence, and sophistication/maturity), we ask the following questions: a) Can forensic examiners properly assess this area, and if so using what tools?; b) How can social science research clarify the transfer evaluation, particularly as it is impacted by systems issues?; and c) How should the evaluation be structured? In doing so, we review clinical suggestions for completing these evaluations and identify pertinent research directions. A number of general issues specific to these evaluations are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Criminal Law / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Criminal Psychology / methods*
  • Criminal Psychology / standards
  • Forensic Psychiatry / methods*
  • Forensic Psychiatry / standards
  • Humans
  • Juvenile Delinquency / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Juvenile Delinquency / psychology*
  • Juvenile Delinquency / rehabilitation
  • Research
  • Risk Factors
  • United States
  • Violence