Court Services

DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC

 

The Diagnostic Clinic consists of psychologists and other mental health clinicians who conduct impartial court-ordered evaluations for youth, adults, and families who have matters pending before the Juvenile Court.  Judges and magistrates make referrals for forensic evaluations that assist them in their execution of the Court’s mission.  Clinic evaluators produce written reports and offer expert testimony for the following types of cases:

 

  • Competency to Stand Trial
  • Bindover  (Transfer of Jurisdiction)
  • Disposition  (Post-Adjudication)
  • Child Protective Services  (Adult Diagnostic Assessment)
  • Custody/Visitation  (Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities)

 

The Diagnostic Clinic also administers an educational program for youth determined to be incompetent to stand trial.  The program content covers specifics of the juvenile justice system and participation required of the youth.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Referral Process:

  • Diagnostic Clinic staff will contact evaluation participants by telephone to schedule appointments. Contact information on file at the court (telephone number, email and home address, etc.) should be kept updated and current at the Clerk’s Office.
  • Depending on the case, time commitments for evaluations vary but typically take several hours.
  • Evaluations consist of an interview and often include other methods of assessment. Family cases may involve having children attend a later appointment; if so, the evaluating clinician will specifically request their presence in advance so arrangements can be made.
  • Audio, digital, and video recording are strictly prohibited.

 

Appointments:

  • All appointments scheduled at the Diagnostic Clinic are held in person.
  • Appointment letters will be delivered to participants via email unless otherwise arranged.
  • The Diagnostic Clinic is located in the Juvenile Court on the first floor in the right-hand wing.
  • Photo identification is required of adults.
  • Minor children should not be brought to appointments unless their presence is specifically requested by a clinician.
  • An appointment canceled or rescheduled with less than 24-hour notice will be considered a “no show.” Multiple appointment cancelations or “no-shows” will result in notification to the courtroom and/or to professionals involved in the case.

Releases of Information:

  • As part of the evaluation process, the Diagnostic Clinic may require additional information from other institutions or agencies. If so, signed release of information forms may be executed to obtain necessary records.
  • Participants may wish to submit their own records for consideration in the evaluation; in the context of a custody/visitation case, such information must be made available to attorneys on both sides of the case. 

Protection Orders:

  • Custody/visitation litigants should notify Diagnostic Clinic staff of any civil, temporary, or permanent order naming protected individuals when appointments are scheduled.
  • Participation in a court-ordered evaluation makes it necessary to briefly set aside any protection order that may be in place—only if and when involved parties are present at the Diagnostic Clinic at the same time.
  • Diagnostic Clinic staff will take measures to reduce contact of any protected parties with each other.

Evaluation Reports:

  • Diagnostic Clinic evaluation reports are the sole property of the Juvenile Court.
  • After a clinician completes an evaluation, no additional information will be collected or accepted at the Diagnostic Clinic from case parties.
  • Attorneys representing the case parties will have access to evaluation reports, but the parties themselves will not receive a copy of the report from the Diagnostic Clinic.

 

Parking:

  • Daily lot parking is $2.00 with cash and credit payment options.
  • Parking ticket payment process:
    • Collect a parking ticket at the entrance gate to the lot and bring it into the building.
    • Make payment at a kiosk located in the Juvenile Court front lobby.
    • Follow instructions on the kiosk screen as indicated to make payment.
    • Use the paid ticket at the exit gate.
  • Street parking may be available at no cost; however, availability is limited.
  • The Diagnostic Clinic is unable to provide parking validation, bus passes, or change for cash.