Forensic psychiatrists are asked to make evaluations for many purposes and usually have little time to gather a large amount of information. For this reason, they must establish rapport quickly. They must also be aware that the adolescent may mistrust all adults. The most essential ingredient in working with adolescents is to be honest and to be oneself rather than to play a role. It is also essential to prevent the family from sabotaging and undermining treatment. The psychiatrist must also distinguish current crises causing a behavioral change from more chronic conduct disorders. They should determine the level of development of cognitive and moral capabilities as studied by Piaget and Kohlberg. They should also recognize that at times of stress, emotional, cognitive, and moral capabilities in adolescents may regress to earlier stages even in a youth who has functioned at times at a higher stage. In addition, most adolescents will not have reached the highest levels on one, if not all, the developmental dimensions involved. 23 references.