NCJ Number
88326
Date Published
1982
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Florida's Mentally Retarded Defendant Program has been successful in providing trial competency evaluations and related recommendations to circuit courts and in identifying service needs for mentally retarded defendants.
Abstract
Any person suspected of being developmentally retarded to a degree that would prevent appropriate participation in preparation of a defense is referred to the Mentally Retarded Defendant Program. The program provides clients with an evaluation of their competency to stand trial, particularly their ability to understand the charge, assist an attorney in defense preparation, and understand the trial process and its possible outcomes. Where the client is found to be developmentally competent but lacking in knowledge to proceed, a trial-competency training program is administered by a teacher certified in special education. In addition to providing trial competency evaluation and training, the program also conducts or arranges a complete battery of assessments based on clients' needs and previous testing. A clinical summary of findings is provided the circuit court, the defense attorney, the prosecuting attorney, and the staff of Health and Rehabilitative Services in the client's home district. The program also offers therapeutic programming as part of its residential treatment plan. All clients participate in a token system using points awarded for demonstration of adequate hygiene, cleanliness of living area, attendance at and participation in programs, and appropriate behaviors. Points are deducted for negative behavior. Evidence that the program has accomplished its major objective has been the completion of the program by 39 clients, including subsequent disposition and placement. Tabular data are provided.