Training competency to stand trial in an individual with intellectual disability and behavioral health concerns

A man was found not competent due to an intellectual disability and dangerous, subsequent to being charged with assault and resisting arrest. By court order, and in order to avoid institutionalization, competency training was conducted in a community agency setting. Competency training included the use of the Slater Method, modeling with labeling, and training on test taking methods over a five week period. Specific generalization techniques were used in order to aid in his ability to respond at the time of re-assessment. Upon re-assessment by an outside examiner, the individual was found to be competent to stand trial, thus avoiding institutionalization.