The Child and Adolescent Forensic Outpatient Service (JAM) at the Clinic for Forensic Psychiatry carries out assessments of children and adolescents in relation to legal matters. Referrals are made by youth prosecution services, courts and child and adult protection authorities (KESB). An assessment usually takes three to four months.

Criminal law assessments may address issues such as personality development, mental health conditions, criminal responsibility, the risk of reoffending and appropriate interventions. Civil law assessments may examine the extent of behavioural difficulties, the role of any underlying mental health condition or contextual factors in triggering or exacerbating these difficulties, risks of harm to the individual or others as well as suitable measures. Family law matters are also addressed in collaboration with the clinic’s in-house Family Law Service.

Assessments usually take place at the JAM premises. Depending on the circumstances, they may also be carried out in a remand centre or other institutions. In addition to a detailed review of relevant case records, an assessment typically involves three to six assessment interviews with the adolescent, as well as consultations with their parents or guardian. Depending on the individual case, psychological testing and physical, neurophysiological, imaging and laboratory investigations may also be carried out.

Find out more about the departments within the Clinic for Forensics.