NCJ Number
133541
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The disposition stage of a juvenile court proceeding is the most important part of the proceeding, not only for the youth and the family, but also for the mental health professional asked to make recommendations regarding placement and treatment.
Abstract
Disposition is a judicial decision, reached by combining information from many sources, especially probation, social services, mental health professionals, schools, law enforcement, and victims. The central part of the psychiatric evaluation is the diagnostic formulation, although the diagnosis alone is inadequate to determine the treatment plan. Dispositions include hospitalization for a short or long period, a correctional institution, a residential treatment center, a group home or community residence, a return to the home on probation with or without outpatient treatment, restitution, and referral for special education. If psychiatric treatment is recommended, the treatment methods most likely to be useful should be specified. The issue of treatability must also be addressed, and the rights of the minor must be carefully considered. 3 references