Behavioral Evaluations

Court-ordered evaluations that support the Unified Family Court by assessing youth, family needs, and appropriate services.

Two teenage girls sitting and speaking with a therapist during a court-referred family evaluation session.

Program Overview

The Behavioral Evaluation Program supports the Unified Family Court in its decision-making process by providing the Court with evaluations of youthful offenders and their families.

Reports include information regarding the social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning of the youth; overall functioning of the family; the youth’s competence to proceed, if needed; and recommended sanctions based on treatment needs.

Our Mission & Service Scope

The program seeks to identify un-addressed mental health, substance abuse, and family problems and to link youth and their families to existing community resources.

The Behavioral Evaluation Program serves delinquent and/or dependent youth ages 7-18 and their families, appearing before the Unified Family Court. Each youth has been charged in Pinellas County and referred by court order.

Services & Staffing

Services are provided at the Pinellas County Justice Center, with some youth being seen in the Juvenile Detention Center in Clearwater. The staff includes three licensed psychologists and a master’s level social worker.