1. The Basics of DBHDD Community Forensic Services and Competency to Stand Trial in Georgia Courts
Kristin S. Adams-Pelham, Psy. D.
Forensic Psychologist
Community Forensic Services-South
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and developmental disabilities
Southern region, Georgia

2. Introduction and Objectives
Inform treating/screening professionals as well as non-clinical staff working within the Mental Health Court about DBHDD community forensic services 
Objectives:
Provide brief explanation of
What forensic psychology is,
What Georgia DBHDD outpatient forensic psychologists do, and
How outpatient forensic psychologists interface with the Georgia judicial system
Discuss the difference between a competency to stand trial issue, a crisis situation, and general mental health issues
Discuss easy identifiers of a potential competency issue
Discuss what to do if a defendant might be incompetent, be in crisis, or have general mental health needs

3. What is Forensic Psychology?
Specialty in psychology characterized by activities primarily intended to provide professional psychological expertise within the judicial and legal systems [American Psychological Association (APA);
Application of psychological specialties and concepts to the legal arena [APA, 2013;

4. Why are Forensic Psychologists Needed in Georgia’s Court System?
Provide clinical evaluations and psychological assessment at the Judge’s request to individuals accused of a crime
Help explain to the Court mental heath and cognitive issues that may be preventing a defendant from proceeding with his or her case
Provide recommendations for treatments needed to improve a defendant’s mental/cognitive health so that judicial processes can resume and the legal issue can be resolved
Help the Court manage defendants who have mental health challenges severe enough to prevent resolution of their legal issues

5. What do DBHDD Outpatient Forensic Psychologists do?
Conduct Competency and Criminal Responsibility Evaluations on pretrial defendants in jails/prisons or on bond
Complete and provide to the Court related psychological reports
Provide treatment recommendations to the Court that will assist in competency restoration
Provide consultation to necessary court personnel regarding evaluations, treatment needs, court orders needed, etc.
Provide testimony in court
Conduct annual evaluations for defendants who have been outpatient civilly committed to a community placement due to continued incompetency or being found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI)

6. Competency vs. Crisis vs. Mental Health
Mental Health Issues Occurring in Legal System
Mental Health Crisis
General Mental Health Needs
Competency to Stand Trial
(and Criminal Responsibility)

7. Competency vs. Crisis vs. Mental Health
Suicidal
Homicidal
Self-harm behaviors
Refusal to eat
Severe, active psychosis
Aggressive
Destructive
General Mental Health
Active Psychosis or Mood Disorder
Cognitive Deficits
Inability to care for self independently
Repeated failure in the community
Medication/Treatment Noncompliance
History of Neglect
Need for services
Co-occurring Substance use disorder
Homelessness
Behavioral challenges
Competency
Poor understanding of legal system
Poor understanding of current charges/penalties
Poor understanding of legal rights
Inability to behave appropriately in court
Inability to work with attorney
Inability to advocate for self
Rights likely to be violated

8. How do I Identify a Possible Competency Issue?
Defendant:
Has serious charges
Prosecution is certain
AND the defendant (one or more):
Is confused about charges
Offers irrational account of events leading to arrest
Has difficulty understanding legal information
Is paranoid or suspicious, especially of the Court or legal personnel
Is disengaged during legal proceedings
Acts inappropriately in court
Does not understand his or her rights
Has a history of past competency evaluations
Was transported to the CSU or hospital psychiatric ward immediately following arrest

9. Who Should I Notify? Jail Medical Staff
Crisis
Jail Medical Staff
Georgia Crisis & Access Line (also known as mobile crisis)
General Mental Health
Jail medical staff (if not already receiving treatment)
Local Community Service Board (CSB) or Community Mental Health Agency
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
Advocacy Resource Center (ARC)
Other community-based resources
Competency
Judge
Defendant’s Attorney
Prosecutor
Orders should be sent to DBHDD Court Services at:

10. Questions?