Forensic assessment of juvenile delinquents: prevalence of psychopathologyand decision-making at court in the Netherlands

Dutch juvenile criminal law concerning miners between 12 and 18 years old, is marked by its pedagogical character. In cases of serious psychosocial pr oblems or psychiatric disorders, the juvenile court may request a forensic examination in order to be able to impose a measure of restraint. This stud y was aimed at investigating to what extent the juvenile criminal law achie ves the aim enhancing professional help in those cases for which such assis tance is indicated. One hundred and eight juveniles who were brought before the court were asse ssed multidisciplinarily. Sixty five per cent of the youngsters were qualif ied for 'definite caseness'. For less than half of them a forensic assessme nt was ordered by the court. In conclusion, young delinquents should be scr eened for psychiatric disorders more adequately as soon as they are taken i nto custody. (C) 2000 The Association for Professionals in Services for Ado lescents.