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RCC 237

Para ordenar a la Administración de Servicios de Salud Mental y Contra la Adicción (ASSMCA) y al Departamento de Corrección y Rehabilitación (DCR) a desarrollar y adoptar un protocolo de psiquiatría forense para la evaluación, manejo y tratamiento de menores de edad bajo la jurisdicción del Tribunal General de Justicia que sean procesados como adultos cuando sean de aplicación las Reglas 240 y 241 de Procedimiento Criminal; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico mandates joint development of forensic psychiatry protocols for minors prosecuted as adults to ensure specialized mental health evaluation and treatment within the criminal justice system.

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Bill Summary · RCC 237

Legislative bill overview

Bill RCC 237 mandates that Puerto Rico's mental health and addiction services administration (ASSMCA) and the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DCR) jointly develop and adopt a forensic psychiatry protocol for evaluating, managing, and treating minors who are prosecuted as adults under Criminal Procedure Rules 240 and 241. The protocol would establish standardized procedures for these vulnerable defendants within the adult criminal justice system.

Why is this important

Minors tried as adults represent a particularly vulnerable population at the intersection of adolescent development, mental health, and criminal justice. Without specialized forensic protocols, these youth may not receive appropriate psychiatric evaluation or age-sensitive treatment, potentially violating rehabilitation principles and international standards. This bill addresses a critical gap by requiring coordinated, expert-led clinical guidelines between mental health and corrections agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and standardization: Defining which evaluations are mandatory, when psychiatric intervention occurs, and how strictly the protocol must be followed across different court cases
  • Resources and implementation: Whether ASSMCA and DCR have adequate funding, personnel, and training to develop and sustain a comprehensive forensic psychiatry program
  • Due process concerns: Balancing the need for psychiatric evaluation with defendants' rights and potential use of mental health assessments in sentencing or plea negotiations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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