NCJ Number
137905
Date Published
1992
Length
105 pages
Annotation
The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) evaluated the organization, management, and operations of the Court Psychiatric Clinic of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
Abstract
The general conclusion reached was that the clinic operates in virtual isolation from the court's case management and overall administration. The report recommendations emphasized the need to integrate and coordinate the clinic's functions with those of the court. In terms of organization and management, the NCSC recommended the clinic establish a formal organizational structure; develop a clearly articulated mission; and establish specific staffing requirements, job descriptions, and accountability mechanisms. Requests for mental health evaluations should be curtailed by eliminating pro forma, reflexive requests, thereby making the clinic more responsive to the needs of the court. To improve the clinic's operation, administrators should develop a manual of policies and procedures, prepare mental health evaluations according to a standard format, and cease functioning as the intake for all requests for presentence investigation. Clinicians should be required to have sufficient professional education, training, and experience, including that required by law, court rules, and judges. Finally, the court could benefit by linking the clinic with other programs, units, and operations of the court that deal with issues of mental health. 6 tables, 1 figure, and 5 appendixes