Assessing for Conduct Disorder Features/Traits in Juvenile Forensic Populations In juvenile forensic populations, it is important to assess for conduct disorder features to identify the behaviors that exceed what is considered to be normal behaviors. The diagnosis of conduct disorder is based on the repetitive and persistent patterns of behaviors that involve such symptomology of aggression to others or violation of age-appropriate societal norms such as running away and truancy (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In regards to the DSM-IV, conduct disorder among juveniles should present at least 3 out of the 15 criteria over a period of 12 months and at least one criterion presented within the last six months (American Psychiatric Association,
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The SAVRY assessment can also identify predictive factors such as antisocial personality disorder during maturity (Frick, 2004). In this, the assessment may determine if the juvenile may continue criminal acts through their lives, leading into their adult lives based on the diagnostic criteria within this assessment (Grisso, 2005). When these factors are identified, the psychologist and the staff within the juvenile correctional facility can implement a treatment plan and placement of the juvenile to assist in modifying their behavior to meet societal standards (Grisso, 2005). Research finds that juveniles that exhibit potential psychopathic traits the concept of labeling them with such a diagnosis could cause social stigma throughout their lives (Cruise, …show more content…
The assessment and evaluation upon arrest can determine whether or not the juvenile is competent to stand trial and or could plead insanity when the crime was committed (Frick, 2004). The results can result in identifying whether or not the juvenile was suffering from mental illnesses that affected them at the time of the criminal act or if they were deemed competent to stand trial. A second instance the use of assessments could assist the defense within a trial to identify psychopathic traits the juvenile exhibits while defining them during a trial process (Dodge, 2010). A psychologist conducting an assessment may determine the behaviors may have been attributed from underlying abuse or neglect the juvenile has experienced during their childhood (Dodge, 2010). The results could lead a jury to believe that the child is displaying the psychopathic traits due to past neglect or abuse that may have occurred causing these behaviors to be present (Dodge,
The SAVRY assessment can also identify predictive factors such as antisocial personality disorder during maturity (Frick, 2004). In this, the assessment may determine if the juvenile may continue criminal acts through their lives, leading into their adult lives based on the diagnostic criteria within this assessment (Grisso, 2005). When these factors are identified, the psychologist and the staff within the juvenile correctional facility can implement a treatment plan and placement of the juvenile to assist in modifying their behavior to meet societal standards (Grisso, 2005). Research finds that juveniles that exhibit potential psychopathic traits the concept of labeling them with such a diagnosis could cause social stigma throughout their lives (Cruise, …show more content…
The assessment and evaluation upon arrest can determine whether or not the juvenile is competent to stand trial and or could plead insanity when the crime was committed (Frick, 2004). The results can result in identifying whether or not the juvenile was suffering from mental illnesses that affected them at the time of the criminal act or if they were deemed competent to stand trial. A second instance the use of assessments could assist the defense within a trial to identify psychopathic traits the juvenile exhibits while defining them during a trial process (Dodge, 2010). A psychologist conducting an assessment may determine the behaviors may have been attributed from underlying abuse or neglect the juvenile has experienced during their childhood (Dodge, 2010). The results could lead a jury to believe that the child is displaying the psychopathic traits due to past neglect or abuse that may have occurred causing these behaviors to be present (Dodge,