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28 Psychiatry Psychol. & L. 1 (2021)

handle is hein.journals/psylaw28 and id is 1 raw text is: Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 2021 Vol. 28, No. 1, 1-26, https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2020.1751332 Ruiedge~~U A decision-making model for pre-sentence evaluations for juveniles Debra Bycroft, Greg E. Dear and Deirdre Drake Psychology and Criminology, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia Forensic mental health assessments (FMHAs) are requested by the courts to assist in the sentencing process and can have a major impact upon the life of the person evaluated. Completing these assessments is a core competency for forensic psychologists. However, some FMHAs are undertaken by psychologists who have no forensic training. Despite this, there are no formalised Australian minimum standards to ensure reports are helpful to the courts and reflect sound evaluation methodologies. Drawing upon a critical review of the literature and recent research findings, we propose a 10-step decision-making model for pre- sentence evaluations of juveniles. Our model provides a framework for decision-making and highlights the key elements of an evaluation. The model provides a basis for developing practice guidelines and professional standards. The next step is to test the model in the field to determine its impact on the quality of psychological pre-sentence reports. Keywords: Australia; forensic mental health assessment; juvenile; model; pre- sentence; report. In this article we propose a model to guide psychologists tasked with preparing a pre- sentence report for juvenile justice matters. The model was derived from a synthesis of a critical review of the literature (Bycroft, Dear, & Drake, 2019a), a Delphi study of expert psychologists (Bycroft, Dear, & Drake, 2019b), consultation with judicial officers (reported here) and additional data from an expert reference group of psychologists who provided feedback on our conclusions and sug- gestions on how best to respond to the views expressed by judicial officers. Drawing from all this information we constructed a model for the forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) pre-sentence report that is based on 10 decision-making points. To set the context for our model, we begin by highlighting the importance of the pre- sentence report. We then provide a summary of the information found in our review of the literature and a summary of the findings from our research. The psychological pre-sentence report There are two components to an FMHA: (a) the evaluation, and (b) the written report detailing the findings, opinions and recom- mendations of the evaluator (Cunneen & White, 2011; White, Day, & Hackett, 2007). A range of tribunals, including both civil and criminal courts, can request a FMHA to assist the tribunal with decision-making, determin- ation of facts or dispositions (Allnutt & Chaplow, 2000; Heilbrun, Grisso, & Goldstein, 2009). Our focus is on evaluations of young offenders requested by children's courts that require the preparation of a psycho- logical pre-sentence report. C 2020 The Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law Correspondence: Debra Bycroft. Psychology and Criminology, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA 6027, Australia. E-mail:dreaminc1@bigpond.com.

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