Challenges to Restoring Juvenile Competence with Involuntary Medications

Abstract

Administering involuntary medications to minors to restore competence to stand trial is a decision highlighting the ambiguities of current legal standards and evolving clinical practice. Overriding the objections of incompetent youth requires the application of case law associated with the state’s interests in prosecuting adults, which may not address how the potential side effects of antipsychotic medications impact adolescent development. Parents’ investment in their children’s wellbeing is not formally recognized in such situations; however, parental consent may be given weight by the juvenile court. The two cases presented here describe how conflicts arising from legal and clinical contingencies were resolved.