In serious juvenile cases, courts may need to decide whether a youth should be tried as an adult or remain under juvenile jurisdiction. The Institute of Forensic Psychology (IFP) provides Certification/Waiver and Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction (EJJ) Evaluations to assist courts in making these critical determinations. Our evaluations are impartial, evidence-based, and tailored to the specific legal questions at hand.
Certification/Waiver Evaluations
Purpose
A Certification or Waiver Evaluation helps the court determine whether a juvenile’s case should be transferred from juvenile court to adult criminal court.
Our Approach
- Clinical interviews to assess maturity, decision-making, and judgment.
- Psychological testing to evaluate cognitive and emotional functioning.
- Review of records, including school, treatment, and prior legal history.
- Collateral contacts with parents, teachers, probation officers, or other involved professionals.
- Analysis of amenability to treatment versus risk to public safety.
What We Address
- Developmental maturity and psychological functioning.
- History of delinquent behavior and responsiveness to prior interventions.
- Amenability to treatment within the juvenile system.
- Public safety considerations in juvenile versus adult jurisdiction.
Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction (EJJ) Evaluations
Purpose
An EJJ Evaluation assists the court in determining whether a youth qualifies for a “blended sentence,” which retains juvenile jurisdiction while imposing a suspended adult sentence. This option is designed to provide a final opportunity for rehabilitation within the juvenile system while holding an adult sentence in reserve.
Our Approach
- Clinical interviews with the juvenile to assess insight, motivation, and treatment readiness.
- Psychological testing tailored to adolescent development and risk assessment.
- Record review including prior treatment, probation, or placement history.
- Consideration of both protective and risk factors influencing rehabilitation potential.
What We Address
- Risk of reoffending and criminogenic needs.
- Ability and willingness to comply with juvenile sanctions.
- Treatment amenability and availability of services.
- Protective factors that support success under extended jurisdiction.
Reporting
IFP provides impartial reports that are structured, timely, and designed to answer the court’s referral questions directly. Our evaluations explain how psychological findings apply to statutory criteria, ensuring clarity and neutrality in high-stakes juvenile proceedings.
Why Choose IFP
IFP delivers evaluations that are objective, evidence-based, and trusted in court. Our multi-credentialed team employs a thorough and impartial process to ensure that findings are clear, relevant, and legally useful. We prioritize timeliness without sacrificing quality, and every evaluation is conducted with professional respect and cultural competence.
We look forward to working with you and supporting the critical decisions entrusted to the courts.
Serving Juvenile Courts and Legal Professionals
IFP provides impartial, evidence-based evaluations to support decisions in juvenile court. Whether addressing competency, pre-plea, parenting, or certification/EJJ matters, our reports are designed to be clear, objective, and useful to the legal system.
To request an evaluation, please contact IFP directly, and a member of our team will follow up with you shortly.