Primary Department: Juvenile Probation
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Herny Gonzales, Executive Director
Secondary Department: Choose an item.
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Position
Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable):
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for approval of a forensic psychologist position effective March 21, 2026.
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Background and Discussion:
The Juvenile Forensic Department respectfully requests approval for an additional psychologist position to support the growing demands of court-ordered psychological evaluations. This department is responsible for conducting comprehensive forensic assessments that directly inform judicial decision-making and case disposition. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in both the volume and complexity of forensic referrals, including cases involving serious offenses, co-occurring mental health concerns, and competency-related questions. These trends have placed substantial strain on existing staff and risk delays in completing evaluations within court-mandated timeframes. Adding an additional psychologist will help ensure timely, high-quality assessments, maintain compliance with statutory requirements, and uphold the department's commitment to providing thorough and defensible forensic services to the court.
Expected Impact:
In addition to court-ordered forensic evaluations, it is a state requirement that youth must obtain a psychological evaluation prior to moving to any post-adjudicated facility. Delays in completing these evaluations result in youth remaini...
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