Youth welfare in criminal proceedings

If young people (14 - 18 years) and adolescents (18 - 21 years) commit a criminal offense, youth welfare services are available to assist them in criminal proceedings. A pedagogical specialist from the youth welfare office of the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer advises the young people/adolescents and, if necessary, the parents with regard to the legal situation and the proceedings. They also act as a mediator between the juvenile court and the young person/adolescent concerned.

The responsible educational specialist from the Youth Welfare Office of the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer accompanies young people throughout the proceedings.
The tasks of youth welfare in criminal proceedings are carried out by the specialists from the "General Social Service".

If the public prosecutor's office suggests a settlement without a court hearing, the youth welfare service implements the so-called "diversion procedure" in the criminal proceedings. As a rule, this involves an educational discussion with the custodians/parents and the young person/adolescent and, if necessary, further educational measures.

Should a court hearing take place, the specialist will make an educational proposal to the court as to which educational measures they believe are sensible and helpful for positive development. In juvenile criminal proceedings, the focus is not on punishment, but on helping the young person/adolescent to avoid committing further crimes. Alternative "means of punishment" therefore include social training courses, educational discussions and conflict counseling or the completion of community service.

Affected young people and adolescents and their parents can contact the Youth Welfare Office with their questions after a crime has been committed and before being questioned by the police, but also at any other time.