Youth welfare in criminal proceedings; 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 Juvenile Courts Act in accordance with Section 52 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 diverse tasks of juvenile court assistance include in particular

• Information and advice on the course of juvenile court proceedings and possible consequences of the offense
• Data protection and protection of confidence
• Various support services 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 on the personal life history and life situation, future prospects, background to the offenses and possible youth welfare measures
• Supporting the young person during the juvenile court proceedings and the juvenile court in the decision-making process
• Support in pre-trial detention and during imprisonment; reintegration into society and resocialization if necessary
• Arrangement and support for youth welfare measures, such as outpatient educational assistance (e.g. educational support or care instructions)

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• § Section 52 of the German Social Code VIII (SGB VIII)
• § Section 38 of the Juvenile Courts Act (JGG)
• § Section 50 of the Juvenile Courts Act (JGG)

• Youth welfare in criminal proceedings

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

Juvenile court assistance is also known as youth assistance in criminal proceedings.

• Youth welfare in criminal proceedings; participation