Functional Deficits in Juveniles Evaluated for Adjudicative Competence

Abstract

Evaluations of juvenile adjudicative competence (AC) are frequently ordered, yet significant gaps remain in the field’s understanding of referred youth. Using a sample of 277 court-ordered evaluations of juvenile AC, this study provides further support for the relationship of age and intelligence with competence, but other factors remain inconsistent. In the current study, developmental immaturity was associated with competence. Youth showed highest rates of deficits in the functional capacities of rational appreciation, ability to assist counsel, and decision-making. Within factual understanding, the highest rates of deficits were seen for the understanding of charges, plea bargains, the trial purpose, and juvenile justice commitment. This study provides the first empirical estimate of the proportion of youth (9%–30%) who demonstrate factual, but not rational understanding, and highlights areas that may be underreported in reports to the court. Implications for evaluations and research are described, including a focus on mental health symptoms and rational appreciation.