Evaluating Juvenile Transfer and Disposition Law, Science, and Practice

Focusing on juvenile transfer and disposition evaluations, this volume provides an up-to-date integration of current law, science, and practice with respect to juvenile risk assessment, treatment needs/amenability, and sophistication-maturity. Included are perspectives relating to international practices, use of specialized assessment tools, and a separate chapter on resentencing following US Supreme Court decisions on juveniles sentenced to mandatory life without parole. This text will be a useful and comprehensive reference for forensic psychologists and other mental health professionals engaged in juvenile evaluation, as well as legal professionals, juvenile and criminal justice professionals, and others involved with juvenile assessment, decision-making, and rehabilitation.

Foreword Preface 1. The Juvenile Justice System in the United States: History Relevant to Disposition, Transfer, and Reverse Transfer 2. Legal Context of Transfer, Reverse Transfer, and Disposition 3. Foundations of Evaluations 4. Developmental Aspects of Evaluation 5. Risk Assessment 6. Treatment Needs and Amenability 7. Sophistication–Maturity 8. Transfer and Reverse Transfer 9. Evaluating Disposition and Placement 10. Juvenile Resentencing 11. International Juvenile Justice Models and Trends 12. Recommendations for Law and Policy, Practice, and Research

Kirk Heilbrun, PhD, is professor in the Department of Psychology at Drexel University. He directs the forensic assessment clinic and the Reentry Project, both based in the department. He has published a number of books, articles, and chapters in the areas of forensic mental health assessment, diversion, and juvenile delinquency. David DeMatteo, JD, PhD, is an associate professor of psychology and law at Drexel University, and director of Drexel’s JD/PhD Program in law and psychology. His research interests include psychopathic personality, juvenile and adult offenders, forensic mental health assessment, and offender diversion. He is currently president of the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS; APA Division 41). Christopher King, JD, PhD, is an assistant professor of psychology at Montclair State University. Sarah Filone, MS, is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at Drexel University.