Competency in California Juvenile Justice Proceedings

The Judicial Council of California (Council), chaired by the Chief Justice of California, is the chief policy making agency of the California judicial system.  The California Constitution directs the Council to improve the administration of justice by surveying judicial business, recommending improvements to the courts, and making recommendations annually to the Governor and the Legislature.  The Council also adopts rules for court administration, practice, and procedure, and performs other functions prescribed by law.  The Judicial Council’s Center for Families, Children and the Courts (CFCC) supports programs in court settings that improve practice and services for children, youth, parents, families and other court users.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks a qualified contractor to develop a comprehensive written guide for attorneys and judicial officers on the legal standards, procedures, and best practices concerning competency in California juvenile justice proceedings. Changes in statutory law, case law, and increasing recognition of youth developmental and mental health factors have resulted in heightened reliance on competency best practices and procedures. Practitioners and bench officers will benefit from a consolidated, updated, and practical resource explaining competency law, the evaluation process, restoration and remediation expectations, and the interplay with due process protections.

The Judicial Council intends for this guide to be clear, accessible, legally accurate, and practice oriented. The publication will serve as a statewide reference tool for juvenile justice attorneys (defense and prosecution), bench officers, and justice partners. The final deliverable will also support training, technical assistance, and statewide consistency in the application of competency procedures.

Questions regarding this RFP must be directed to solicitations@jud.ca.gov (link sends email) and must be received no later than 1:00 PM, Pacific Time, April 23, 2026.

Proposals must be received no later than 1:00 PM, Pacific Time, May 4, 2026.

• RFP-CFCC-2025-10-LP-Competency in California Juvenile Justice Proceedings New
• Attachment 1-Administrative Rules Governing RFPs New
• Attachment 2-Judicial Council Standard Terms and Conditions New
• Attachment 3-Proposer's Acceptance of Terms Conditions New
• Attachment 4-General Certifications Form New
• Attachment 5-Darfur Certification New
• Attachment 6-Unruh Certification New
• Attachment 7-Bidder Declaration New
• Attachment 8-DVBE Declaration New

The Judicial Council, as a public entity, prohibits direct contact with any Council personnel during the solicitation process in order to maintain fairness and equality to all proposers.
Proposers are specifically directed NOT to contact any judicial branch entity personnel or consultants for meetings, conferences, or discussions that are related to the solicitation at any time between release of the solicitation and any award and execution of a contract.
Unauthorized contact with any judicial branch entity personnel or consultants may be cause for rejection of the Proposer’s proposal.