The Role of Community-Based Supportive Services in Remediating Juvenile Adjudicative Competence

This mixed methods study examined initial and reevaluation reports of youth opined incompetent to proceed to investigate the impact of community interventions on changes in functional abilities. Using a structured quantitative chart review and an inductive and deductive qualitative coding scheme, we coded court-ordered, juvenile competence reports for 73 youth (85% male; ages 9-19, M_age = 14.07, SD = 2.36) opined incompetent. Upon reevaluation, 51 youth were opined to remain incompetent, and 22 were opined competent by the evaluator. No age differences were observed between youth who remained incompetent and those who were remediated. Higher IQ scores were associated with successful remediation of understanding, appreciation, decision-making, and assisting counsel. Thematic analysis suggested that stabilization in place of residence and family functioning were often noted for remediated youth. School functioning and mental status at the time of the evaluation may be indicative of competence abilities and highlight existing skill deficits. Results highlight the complexity of factors influencing juvenile adjudicative competence and how stabilization of placement, school, and family functioning may be useful points of intervention, particularly when focused remediation efforts are not available.