Competency in California Juvenile Justice Proceedings

Description

The Judicial Council of California (Council), chaired by the Chief Justice of California, is the chief policy making agency of the California judicial system.  The California Constitution directs the Council to improve the administration of justice by surveying judicial business, recommending improvements to the courts, and making recommendations annually to the Governor and the Legislature.  The Council also adopts rules for court administration, practice, and procedure, and performs other functions prescribed by law.  The Judicial Council’s Center for Families, Children and the Courts (CFCC) supports programs in court settings that improve practice and services for children, youth, parents, families and other court users.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks a qualified contractor to develop a comprehensive written guide for attorneys and judicial officers on the legal standards, procedures, and best practices concerning competency in California juvenile justice proceedings. Changes in statutory law, case law, and increasing recognition of youth developmental and mental health factors have resulted in heightened reliance on competency best practices and procedures. Practitioners and bench officers will benefit from a consolidated, updated, and practical resource explaining competency law, the evaluation process, restoration and remediation expectations, and the interplay with due process protections.

The Judicial Council intends for this guide to be clear, accessible, legally accurate, and practice oriented. The publication will serve as a statewide reference tool for juvenile justice attorneys (defense and prosecution), bench officers, and justice partners. The final deliverable will also support training, technical assistance, and statewide consistency in the application of competency procedures.

Questions regarding this RFP must be directed to solicitations@jud.ca.gov and must be received no later than 1:00 PM, Pacific Time, April 23, 2026. 

Proposals must be received no later than 1:00 PM, Pacific Time, May 4, 2026.