Forensic Evaluation of Juveniles: Principles & Practice

Hybrid training:

• In-person training at ILPPP on March 19-21, 2025, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily

• Self-paced online learning activities to be completed before this date

The ILPPP is conducting its longstanding training on forensic evaluations of juveniles in a hybrid format. This is a “flipping the classroom” model that combines approximately 12 hours of self-paced online video lectures and quizzes followed by three days of in-person learning activities at the ILPPP. We developed this hybrid model to blend the convenience of self-paced online learning with the individualized, hands-on workshop experience that can only come from live teaching.

The self-paced online component includes pre-recorded lectures, brief quizzes, and recommended readings hosted on UVA Collab, the University of Virginia’s online learning platform. Once you register for the course, you will receive email notification granting access to the UVA Collab site within three business days. All online learning activities must be completed in advance of the in-person training, as this material will not be repeated during the in-person training and is foundational to the more advanced lectures and hands-on learning activities. The in-person training will be held at the ILPPP on March 19-21, 2025, and includes live lectures, training videos, practice evaluations, and a final exercise. Please inquire about a detailed agenda for in-person learning days.

This introductory program is well-suited for individuals without prior training or experience in juvenile forensic assessment.

Content Areas

Online and in-person content covers five basic content areas:

1. Introduction to juvenile forensic evaluation and competence to stand trial

2. Evaluating adjudicative competence in juvenile court

3. Empirical and clinical foundations of adjudicative competence

4. Other issues in juvenile court: Mental illness, malingering, transfer, & sanity

5. Expert testimony and working with attorneys

Click to download (PDF) a full list of learning objectives to be attained at the conclusion of the training.

Virginia DBHDS-Recognized Training for Juvenile Competency Evaluators

This training was designed in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to meet Virginia’s statutory requirements that eligible clinicians conducting juvenile competency evaluations complete training recognized by the Commissioner of DBHDS. Per Virginia Code §16.1-356, eligible clinicians include psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed marriage and family therapists. Over 95% of Virginia evaluators become qualified to conduct court-ordered juvenile competency evaluations by completing this training, which permits them to be placed on the approved evaluators list maintained by DBHDS. Although the training is tailored to Virginia law, the vast majority of the content is applicable to professionals practicing in any jurisdiction.

The Instructors

Pre-recorded and in-person lectures are provided by a diverse team of forensic clinicians and attorneys. Click to download (PDF) a list of individual instructions and credentials. Lead faculty and point of contact for this training is Lucy Guarnera, PhD, juvenile training coordinator at the ILPPP.

Neither the instructors nor the program planning committee (Daniel Murrie, Ph.D., Lucy Guarnera, Ph.D., & Angela Torres, Ph.D.) have any conflicts of interest or commercial support to disclose.

Continuing Education

Participants can expect to receive up to 18 hours of continuing education credits (CEUs) approved by the American Psychological Association (APA). ILPPP is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. ILPPP maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Due to APA requirements, we can award CEUs only for the in-person component of the training. Participants will also receive a general certificate of attendance for full 30-hour hybrid training.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer continuing education for psychiatrists, attorneys, or social workers at this time. Please contact us with any questions.

Training Fees

• $1,125.00: Standard registration

• $550.00: Employees of Virginia DBHDS or a Community Services Board (CSB)

Please note that the reduced rate is available only for DBHDS and CSB employees, rather than all state employees, because DBHDS partially sponsors this training program.

Occasionally large facilities or state agencies outside Virginia want to send a team of trainees, for whom we can arrange a discounted group rate. Please contact us to discuss such arrangements.

How to Register

Scroll to the top of the page to register via the Eventbrite checkout. You will receive detailed attendance instructions upon registering.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration up to 7 days before the event starts. Your confirmation email will have information on how to cancel. All refunds will be assessed by Eventbrite's service fee. This fee is 6.6% of the registration price + $1.79. This fee will be assessed regardless of when the cancellation occurs in relation to the date of the training.

Please allow 30 days to receive a refund. Refunds will be processed according to the original payment method.