NCJ Number
87198
Date Published
1982
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This paper provides guidelines for clinical practice in a family court mental health service in those areas where the New York City Family Court seeks psychological evaluations and recommendations regarding competency and disposition.
Abstract
The New York Family Court handles juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision (status offenders), designated felonies, and juvenile offenders. In addition, the family court has jurisdiction over child custody and visitation cases, child abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, and adoption cases. Other types of cases include family offenses, paternity, and support. Although the necessity for clinical evaluation in these cases may be raised from many sources, no patient can be seen unless ordered by the family court judge. Reports are always written at the judge's request to answer questions posed by the court. It is usually during the dispositional phase that the clinic becomes involved; however, on special occasions, the clinic becomes involved prior to finding; e.g., in cases where competency is unclear, determination must be made prior to adjudication. In all circumstances, the clinic is asked for clinical assessment and recommendations. Overall, all conclusions and recommendations are based on the background data, clinical impression, and interview. If a report contains inconsistencies or ambiguities, then the clinic has failed to clarify recommendations for the court. A consistent and clear report facilitates any clinician court testimony that may be required to explain conclusions of the report. Eleven bibliographic entries are provided.