Mental Competency Assessment and Training (MCAT) Program Juvenile Curriculum - Restoring Competence to Stand Trial |
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| Editor:
| Craig West, |
| Author:
| Craig West, |
| ISBN: | 978-1-7323313-4-1 |
| Publication Date: | Jun 2020 |
| Publisher: | Psychwest, Clinical & Forensic Psychology, Inc.
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| Book Format: | Digital online |
| List Price: | USD $185.00 |
Book Description:
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The Mental Competency Assessment and Training (MCAT) program curriculum offers lesson plans needed for professionals who serve in court-connected cases to assist juveniles who are found incompetent to stand trial and are in need of competency restoration services to restore competency to stand trial in a juvenile proceeding. The curriculum is designed for professionals who work with individuals found incompetent to stand trial as a result of mental health issues or developmental...
More DescriptionThe Mental Competency Assessment and Training (MCAT) program curriculum offers lesson plans needed for professionals who serve in court-connected cases to assist juveniles who are found incompetent to stand trial and are in need of competency restoration services to restore competency to stand trial in a juvenile proceeding. The curriculum is designed for professionals who work with individuals found incompetent to stand trial as a result of mental health issues or developmental disabilities. The MCAT Program curriculum is the main component of the restoration competency program that is grounded in case law such as the landmark case Dusky v. United States, 362 U.S. 402 (1960) and scientific research on the effective approaches to competency restoration.The MCAT program utilizes a four-phase model to guide juveniles through the process of becoming competent to stand trial. Each phase focuses on different skills and knowledge necessary for competency restoration, including legal concepts, court etiquette, working with counsel, and understanding charges and evidence.In phase one, juveniles who are attempting to restore competency are taught general legal concepts, such as the juvenile justice process, legal personnel, the burden of proof, and other related topics. In Phase 2 of the program, basic court etiquette and managing disruptive behaviors due to feelings of stress or anger are taught. Phase 3 of the curriculum provides information on how to work closely with counsel in a rational manner and to understand the basic defenses counsel might discuss. During Phase 4, juveniles review and understand the details of their case, including the charges, evidence, and potential sentences. They learn how to listen to and analyze witness testimony and identify questions and information to share with their attorney. The goal of Phase 4 is to facilitate a rational understanding and appreciation of their specific charges to better equip juveniles to work with their attorney and make informed decisions about their case.