Structured observation can be valuable to complement self or parent reports used for diagnostic information or risk assessment, although this method is hardly used and understudied in residential... Show moreStructured observation can be valuable to complement self or parent reports used for diagnostic information or risk assessment, although this method is hardly used and understudied in residential forensic settings. To fill this void an observation checklist for residential social workers working in juvenile justice institutions was developed, along with an instruction manual and a training program. Findings In the first two sections, this paper describes how an intensive collaboration between residential social workers, clinicians, researchers, and educators resulted in the development (1) and implementation (2) of an observation checklist for residential social workers. The observation checklist captures six concepts: Proactive and Reactive aggression, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity, Signs of depressed mood, and Lack of reciprocity. In a third, final section, this paper provides a preliminary evaluation of the inter-rater reliability of the six observation checklist concepts (3). Acceptable completion rates of the observation checklist by residential social workers were obtained and the training program resulted in reported improved professional expertise of residential social workers. Moreover, preliminary psychometric evaluation demonstrated acceptable to excellent inter-rater reliability, when expressed as percentage of agreement. Applications In conclusion, this novel observation checklist offers a promising opportunity to collect information that can be used for diagnostic purposes. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed. Show less
This article explores the underlying explanations of the high reliance on pre-trial detention of children across contemporary Western societies, with a particular focus on the Netherlands.... Show moreThis article explores the underlying explanations of the high reliance on pre-trial detention of children across contemporary Western societies, with a particular focus on the Netherlands. Empirical research findings are used to identify patterns and functions of pre-trial detention in the administration of youth justice. In addition, two driving forces behind pre-trial detention decision-making are explored after scrutinizing the penological underpinnings of youth justice and youth crime control in Western societies. Ultimately, the article addresses to what extent and how international children’s rights standards can effectively protect child suspects and accused from excessive, unlawful and arbitrary pre-trial detention. Show less
According to international children’s rights law and standards, juvenile defendants should be given the opportunity to be heard in juvenile justice proceedings. Moreover, from developmental... Show moreAccording to international children’s rights law and standards, juvenile defendants should be given the opportunity to be heard in juvenile justice proceedings. Moreover, from developmental psychological research it can be concluded that young people who appear in court usually have a limited understanding of judicial procedures. Therefore, it is argued that juveniles need to be assisted in giving their views and in understanding juvenile justice proceedings. Insights from the children’s rights and the developmental psychological perspective are taken as starting points in this study to formulate requirements for the effective participation of juvenile defendants. Moreover, this article presents an overview of youth court practices in 11 European countries in order to analyse the extent to which the requirements are fulfilled in practice. Show less
