Juvenile court assistance; utilization

If young people between the ages of 14 and 21 come into conflict with the law, they and their parents can turn to the youth court assistance service.

Participation in proceedings under the German Juvenile Courts Act (Jugendgerichtsgesetz) in accordance with Section 52 of Book VIII of the German Social Code (SGB VIII) ("Youth Court Assistance" or "Youth Assistance in Criminal Proceedings") is one of the statutory duties of the Youth Welfare Office. Youth court assistance is involved in the entire course of the youth court proceedings. It accompanies young offenders and supports the juvenile courts and the juvenile public prosecutor's office by providing reports, opinions and decision-making aids. The personal life situation of the young person is at the forefront of all considerations.

The various tasks of juvenile court assistance include in particular

• Information and advice on the course of juvenile court proceedings
• possible consequences of the offense
• Data protection and protection of confidence
• various offers of help in accordance with the Child and Youth Welfare Act, for problems and difficulties in school, work and training, family and housing, leisure time and debts
• Reporting to the public prosecutor's office and the juvenile court (in each case taking into account proportionality) in written form about the personal life history and life situation, future prospects, background to the offense and possible youth welfare measures
• Supporting the young person during the juvenile court proceedings and the juvenile court in its decision-making process
• Support during pre-trial detention and imprisonment; reintegration into society and resocialization if necessary
• Arrangement and support for youth welfare measures, such as outpatient educational support (e.g. educational support or supervision orders)

Youth welfare in criminal proceedings accompanies juveniles and young adults under the age of 21 throughout the entire criminal proceedings. It takes into account the educational, social and other aspects that are important with regard to the goals and tasks of youth welfare in juvenile criminal proceedings and checks at an early stage whether youth welfare services can be considered.

The initiation of criminal proceedings often leads to uncertainty and raises many questions among young people, adolescents and their parents. In this situation, youth welfare services try to help during criminal proceedings. It is the point of contact as soon as a young person (14 - 17 years) or adolescent (18 - 20 years) is accused of a criminal offense. Youth welfare services in criminal proceedings explain the course of the proceedings, point out possible consequences and try to work out solutions together with the young person.

The youth welfare service in criminal proceedings

• is the first point of contact "when it happens".
• fulfills the statutory duty of the youth welfare office to cooperate in criminal proceedings against young people (14 - 17 years) or adolescents (18 - 20 years) (in accordance with § 52 SGB VIII, § 38 JGG)
• always receives a notification if a juvenile or adolescent is accused of a criminal offense
• offers counseling for young people and their parents
• accompanies young people before, during and after criminal proceedings
• looks after young people on remand and in prison
• discusses the young person's life situation and future prospects with them
• arranges further counseling and support services if required
• provides information about the course of criminal proceedings
• explains the possible consequences of criminal proceedings
• provides support during the main hearing
• prepares a report for the public prosecutor's office and the court on the life situation
• submits a proposal for educational measures to the public prosecutor's office and the court
• organizes and accompanies the instructions and conditions ordered by the court

If you would like to make use of juvenile court assistance, please contact your local youth welfare office.

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• Which documents are required will be determined individually with you.

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