Eine Frage des Alters … Verlaufsuntersuchung an Patienten der erwachsenen- und jugendforensischen Kliniken in Bayern

The treatment of juveniles and adolescents in forensic care usually takes place in a specialized form of facility, which is often referred to as juvenile forensics. This institution has a special position not only in terms of treatment approaches and framework conditions but also as a rather marginal research topic. The data pool of the Institute for Quality Management (IfQM) in the forensic treatment system in Bavaria can be used for the first time to describe the population and treatment quality of juvenile forensics, measured by resocialization and legal probation factors and accentuations can be worked out by comparison with adult patients. The sample comprises over 500 detainees who were treated in adult or juvenile forensic facilities in accordance with Section 63 or 64 of the German Criminal Code. If they are released with the possibility of legal probation, further exploration will follow after at least 1 year. Juvenile forensic patients have a lower level of qualification, are already delinquent at a younger age, the criminological history is evident and the high proportion of violence in the index offence is particularly striking. Shorter stays in therapy are impressive but there are also more rule violations. A positive aspect is the effective use of intramural schooling and the early introduction of vocational qualifications. These can usually be maintained after discharge. The results of the outcome indicators are comparable with those of adult forensics and are largely positive, including legal probation rates of up to 92%. Age-specific factors thus determine the population of the institution as well as the setting and therapy but not the quality of the outcome.