Chapter 55 Evaluations for Juveniles in Texas
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Forensic Psychological Evaluations Under the Texas Family Code
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I conduct Chapter 55 evaluations for juveniles involved in the Texas juvenile justice system. These court-ordered forensic evaluations help determine whether a child is competent to proceed with legal proceedings or was legally insane at the time of the alleged offense. Evaluations follow the guidelines established in Chapter 55 of the Texas Family Code and align with best practices in forensic psychological assessment.
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With specific training in juvenile forensic psychology and annual continuing education in this area, I ensure that each evaluation meets the legal, clinical, and ethical standards required under Texas Family Code Chapter 55.
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What Are Chapter 55 Evaluations?
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Under Texas law, a juvenile may be evaluated for:
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Fitness to Proceed (also known as juvenile competency to stand trial)
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Mental Responsibility at the Time of the Offense (also known as juvenile insanity evaluations)
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These evaluations assess the child’s mental health, cognitive development, and functional abilities in the context of legal decision-making.
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Juvenile Competency (Fitness to Proceed)
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This evaluation determines whether the child currently has the capacity to:
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Understand the charges and courtroom procedures
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Participate in their defense and consult with legal counsel
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Maintain sufficient attention, memory, and reasoning to engage in the court process
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This process is developmentally informed and considers age, maturity, intellectual functioning, and any relevant mental health conditions.
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Juvenile Sanity (Mental Responsibility)
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This evaluation explores the child’s mental state at the time of the alleged offense, including:
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Whether the child had a severe mental illness or intellectual disability
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Whether the child understood the nature or wrongfulness of their actions
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Whether symptoms of mental illness impaired legal responsibility
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These assessments provide the court with objective findings related to the child’s criminal responsibility under Texas law.
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What to Expect
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Each Chapter 55 evaluation includes:
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A clinical interview tailored to the child’s developmental level
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Psychological testing, when appropriate
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Review of records, including legal, educational, and mental health history
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A detailed written report addressing the legal questions posed
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Expert testimony, if requested by the court
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Service Areas
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I accept juvenile court appointments statewide across Texas and can conduct evaluations via secure telehealth, depending on facility and court requirements.
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Questions?
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For questions related to referrals, scheduling, or documentation requirements, feel free to contact me.
