Competency services are offered to adults with various challenges who were detained by law enforcement as mandated by law. The purpose of the program is to determine if participants can learn and retain the necessary information to appropriately participate in his/her defense. Staff use the curriculum developed at Porterville State Hospital specifically for this program.
CS staff provide both individualized and group instruction at the CS administrative office or in particular facilities. Staff serve as advocates for participants by informing them of their rights, teaching them to advocate for themselves as well as advocating on their behalf as appropriate. In addition, staff administer tests and management prepares reports as required. CS staff does not determine if a person is “competent”; the judge or a Forensic Psychologist makes that determination.
The Competency program is monitored by Westside Regional Center; for more information, you may check their website: www.WestsideRC.org