Evaluations for Sentencing of Juveniles in Criminal Court

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This series presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA. The 21 topical volumes address best approaches to practice for particular types of evaluation in the criminal, civil and juvenile/family areas. Each volume contains a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court.

Volumes include the following helpful features:

- Boxes that zero in on important information for use in evaluations

- Tips for best practice and cautions against common pitfalls

- Highlighting of relevant case law and statutes

- Separate list of assessment tools for easy reference

- Helpful glossary of key terms for the particular topic

In making recommendations for best practice, authors consider empirical support, legal relevance, and consistency with ethical and professional standards. These volumes offer invaluable guidance for anyone involved in conducting or using forensic evaluations.

"In Miller v. Alabama (2012), the U.S. Supreme Court imposed special requirements for sentencing juveniles who have been transferred to criminal court for conviction and sentencing as adults. Montgomery v. Louisiana (2016) also required that all juveniles sentenced to life without parole in the past must be re-sentenced. For these cases, the Court required that consideration of life without parole and any alternative sentences must include a review of potentially mitigating factors associated with a youth's developmental immaturity. This is the first book to offer guidance to forensic mental health examiners when performing evaluations to assist attorneys and judges in Miller sentencing and re-sentencing cases. In Section I, three chapters review relevant legal, conceptual and research background for examiners. The Court's specific developmental factors are defined, as well as relevant case law and legal process for juvenile sentencing cases. Then psychological concepts and theory related to those developmental factors are reviewed, and a chapter identifies research that examiners can use to inform their assessment and interpretation process. With that conceptual background, Part II then includes four chapters offering recommendations for conducting these evaluations. Preparation for the evaluation is described, including managing the requirements and expectations of referring parties. Then the process of data collection is outlined, including interviews, psychological and developmental testing tailored for this type of evaluation. Final chapters offer guidance for interpreting the data to address the law's relevant developmental factors, as well as an outline and advice for written reports and oral testimony in juvenile sentencing cases"--