NCJ Number
133533
Editor(s)
J Edgerton
Date Published
1992
Length
210 pages
Annotation
This handbook explains juvenile court philosophy, personnel, and proceedings and examines the role of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals in providing psychological evaluations, making treatment recommendations, and other tasks.
Abstract
Individual chapters describe the history and procedures of the juvenile court, the roles of the participants in juvenile court proceedings, and courtroom procedure and communication. Guidance is also given on drafting a contract with the court to cover liability, conflicts of interest, and other professional concerns. Further chapters present recommended assessment techniques and diagnostic considerations in dealing with the sexually or physically abused child, the juvenile sex offender, the violent juvenile, and juvenile drug abusers and explain methods by which clinicians can help the court in decisionmaking regarding the termination of parental rights. Advice is also given regarding writing a psychiatric report that responds to the court's requirements and presenting effective testimony. Figures, chapter reference lists, index, glossary, 121 references, and appended sample forms, sample testimony, sample testimony, and list of major judicial decisions relating to juveniles.