Delinquency Behavior Successfully Redirected: Rafael

Rafael, 16, had left school and quit basketball. While associating with older peers, he had accumulated delinquency charges, escalating from trespassing and possession of burglarious tools to armed robbery. At the Juvenile Court hearing, his attorney wondered whether Rafael understood the legal process and requested a Competency to Stand Trial (CST) evaluation. The Judge referred him to the Juvenile Court Clinic.

Discontinued IEP and Loss of Caregiver

The Juvenile Court Clinician forensic psychologist reviewed records, revealing a history of learning difficulties. Through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Rafael received special education services from kindergarten through 4th grade. At a new school in 5th grade, his IEP was not continued. His academic performance and behavior declined significantly, leading to disciplinary actions. Teachers characterized him as defiant and unmotivated.

The Court Clinic evaluation found Rafael did not have the skills for competence to stand trial. He did not understand court processes and the different roles of court personnel. The Clinician relayed this to the Judge, explaining that Rafael had lost critical educational supports in recent years, leading to frustration with school and the use of problem behaviors to mask learning difficulties. His school had misinterpreted his behavior as intentional rule breaking.

Compounding these challenges, the Clinician explained that the previous year Rafael’s grandmother, a primary caregiver, had died. Rafael’s grief, academic failure, and increased unsupervised time contributed to his involvement with criminally involved peers.

Targeted Interventions

In Court, Rafael was found not competent to stand trial and his case was continued for six months. The Court ordered Rafael to comply with the Clinician’s recommendations of targeted interventions, including a new special education evaluation, referral to a sports-based mentoring program, and part-time employment to build vocational skills. 

Six months later at re-evaluation, the Court Clinician found that Rafael continued to show competence-related difficulties but demonstrated meaningful progress. He had enrolled in a therapeutic school, worked part-time, had no new charges, and was following household rules while associating with more positive peers. The District Attorney agreed to dismiss the charges; the Court supported the Court Clinic’s recommendations to address the educational, social and emotional factors underlying Rafael’s court involvement. These supported Rafael’s development and public safety, leading the way for a successful outcome for Rafael.

To protect confidentiality, MAJCC does not use real names or identifying features in case examples.

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1 A Competency to Stand Trial (CST) evaluation is ordered by a Juvenile Court Judge to determine whether the defendant has a rational and factual understanding of the charges against them and the Court proceedings and can work with their lawyer to assist in their own defense.

2 To work in the Juvenile Court Clinics, clinicians must become Certified Juvenile Court Clinicians through a DMH-directed specialized training with on-site supervised clinical work at the Juvenile Court Clinics. CST cases must be conducted by doctoral-level forensic clinicians who are Certified Juvenile Court Clinicians II (CJCC II).