Youth Services in Criminal Proceedings; Participation

Youth court services, which are provided by youth welfare offices (county and city youth welfare offices) in cooperation with youth welfare associations, play an important role in juvenile criminal proceedings.

It brings educational, social, and welfare considerations to the attention of the juvenile courts. By assessing the personality, development, and environment of the young defendants and making recommendations for appropriate measures, the Juvenile Court Assistance Service supports the court and the public prosecutor’s office. In addition, it is tasked with promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of young offenders through guidance and support, as well as by monitoring their conduct.

To achieve this goal, the Juvenile Court Assistance Service collaborates, as necessary, with other relevant agencies (probation officers, pretrial detention centers, juvenile correctional facilities).

Youth welfare services in criminal proceedings support adolescents and young adults under the age of 21 throughout the entire criminal proceedings. It ensures that educational, social, and other aspects relevant to the goals and responsibilities of youth welfare services are taken into account in juvenile criminal proceedings and assesses at an early stage whether youth welfare services may be appropriate.

The initiation of criminal proceedings often leads to uncertainty and raises many questions for adolescents, young adults, and their parents. In this situation, youth welfare services in criminal proceedings strive to provide assistance. It serves as a point of contact as soon as a youth (ages 14–17) or young adult (ages 18–20) is accused of a crime. Youth welfare services in criminal proceedings explain the course of the proceedings, point out possible consequences, and work with the young people to develop solutions.

Youth Services in Criminal Proceedings

• is the first point of contact “when something happens.”
• fulfills the legal mandate of the Youth Welfare Office to participate in criminal proceedings against juveniles (ages 14–17) or young adults (ages 18–20) (pursuant to § 52 SGB VIII, § 38 JGG)
• is always notified when a juvenile or young adult is accused of a criminal offense
• offers counseling for young people and their parents
• supports young people before, during, and after criminal proceedings
• provides support to young people in pretrial detention and while serving a sentence
• discusses the young person’s life situation and future prospects
• refers them to additional counseling and support services as needed
• provides information about the criminal proceedings process
• explains the possible consequences of the criminal proceedings
• Accompanies them during the trial
• prepares a report on the young person’s life situation for the prosecutor’s office and the court
• submits a proposal to the prosecutor’s office and the court regarding educational measures
• organizes and oversees the court-ordered instructions and conditions