Damage to property, bodily harm, shoplifting or fare evasion - such crimes are usually committed by young people in isolated incidents and to a limited extent. These offenses often happen impulsively and out of the situation. Possible causes include peer pressure, boredom, frustration or spontaneous opportunities. Nevertheless, such acts can have considerable material and psychological consequences for those affected. Compared to adult crime, however, the extent of juvenile crime remains significantly lower.
Young offenders are between 14 and 20 years old. Most of them stop their criminal activities on their own without the need for special interventions. Only a small proportion develop into so-called prolific offenders, who attract attention through repeated offenses. Targeted prevention and consistent responses are particularly important to prevent recidivism and further harm.
Individual support for young offenders
This is where German juvenile criminal law and the concept of the House of Juvenile Justice come together: the police, public prosecutor's office and youth welfare office work closely together in a coordinated manner. Juvenile offenses are dealt with as soon as they occur, with a sense of proportion. The focus is on the educational concept: young people should reflect on their behavior, take responsibility for their misconduct and, if necessary, receive support for their personal development. Only if the causes of misconduct are specifically addressed can further offenses be effectively prevented.
The educational measures are selected individually - depending on the young person's life situation and level of maturity. Possible measures include community service hours, a conversation between the offender and victim, anti-violence courses or longer-term support from a social worker. Other support services can also be called in.
The Jugendhilfe im Strafverfahren (JuhiS), a specialist service at the Stuttgart Youth Welfare Office, talks to the young people about this. JuhiS accompanies the young people throughout the proceedings and supports the judiciary in imposing an appropriate response. The specialist service submits statements to the court and monitors instructions and conditions.
In addition, the JuhiS staff clarify what problems the young people have in their lives. For example, if someone needs help because of school problems, addiction problems or family difficulties, they are referred to appropriate help services in accordance with Social Code VIII. Alternatively, the young people are referred to other suitable services.
Model project started in Stuttgart in 1999
The idea for the House of Juvenile Justice was developed in the 1990s - a time when juvenile crime was particularly high in Germany. In response to this, the first House of Juvenile Justice was opened in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt in 1999, which was based on the American "Community Courts". The model project proved to be extremely successful, so that this holistic approach became established in many federal states. In 2024, a second House of Juvenile Justice was opened in Stuttgart-Mitte.
Because the youth welfare office, judiciary and police work closely together in the House of Juvenile Justice and the distances are short, important decisions can be made quickly. New developments in juvenile delinquency can also be identified more quickly. The House of Juvenile Justice in Bad Cannstatt is responsible for the district court district of Bad Cannstatt, while the House of Juvenile Justice Mitte covers the district court district of Stuttgart.
