Juvenile Competence to Stand Trial: A Historical and Empirical Analysis of a Juvenile Forensic Evaluation Service

Abstract

Competence to stand trial is an increasingly important forensic mental health issue in juvenile courts. Few studies have examined samples of juveniles referred for competence evaluations. We retrospectively examined the characteristics of juveniles referred for competence evaluations to a publicly funded forensic service for juveniles in Washington State. Our sample had higher levels of psychopathology and incompetence than reported in previous studies. A high rate of agreement between examiners and judges competency opinions was found. In a subset of participants with complete data, we examined variables that discriminated juveniles found incompetent by judges from those found competent. Being found incompetent by the court was associated with being younger, intellectual impairments, special education placement, and a diagnosis of psychosis. Implications for juvenile competence examiners, researchers, and policy makers are discussed.