Competency Standards in Delinquency Proceedings

The concept of whether one is competent to stand trial is commonly understood as applied to adults in criminal court proceedings. When it comes to kids who face delinquency petitions, the concept because less clear due in part to the issue of age but also due to mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and developmental immaturity. All these factors can impact juvenile competency and the ability to "restore" a child to competency in a time frame that falls within the juvenile court's jurisdiction. As research continues to emerge about youth,  their development, and elements that contribute to delinquency, states are responding by creating or amending competency tests or standards for juvenile courts to use. On this episode, guests will discuss trends across the United States and will share lessons learned around the development and implementation of competency standards for delinquency proceedings in juvenile court.

Guests:
Doug Althauser, Attorney, Douglas Althauser Law
Kimberly Larson, Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Anne Teigen, Senior Policy Specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures