Youth Court Assistance (JGH)
Support in juvenile court proceedings
Youth Court Assistance (JGH) is an integral part of juvenile criminal proceedings. It accompanies and supports young people and adolescents between the ages of 14 and 20 who have come into conflict with the law. The aim is to have an educational impact on young people and prevent future offences.
What is the remit of Youth Court Assistance (JGH)?
- Counselling sessions for delinquent children (up to the age of 14) and their parents
- Referral to other specialised areas
- Counselling and support for juveniles and young adults in criminal proceedings
- Preparation of social reports for the juvenile court, e.g. information on the development and personality of the (alleged) offender and their family and non-family environmental influences
- Proposals to the court regarding the sentence and rehabilitation measures
- Opinion on criminal responsibility, in particular in the case of adolescents on the application of juvenile or adult criminal law
Aftercare and support following the conclusion of criminal proceedings
What is the course of the proceedings?
As soon as criminal proceedings are initiated against a juvenile or adolescent, juvenile court assistance becomes active. In a personal interview, the current life situation and the perspective on the offence are recorded. The aim is to enable the juvenile court to make a well-founded assessment of the educational measures and need for help.
Participation in an interview with the juvenile court is voluntary, but is expressly recommended.
What is the aim of Youth Court Assistance?
The idea of education instead of punishment is at the centre of Youth Court Assistance. The aim is to minimise the risk of recidivism and strengthen social skills through individual counselling and tailored support services. Youth Court Assistance thus contributes to the positive development of young people and supports their social integration.
Confidentiality and data protection
Youth Court Assistance is subject to the statutory duty of confidentiality. All information is treated confidentially and used exclusively within the framework of the statutory provisions.
