This study investigated adolescents’ Quality of Life and mental health needs during the first weeks in a closed institution for mandatory care and treatment to inform (gender-specific) rehabilitation. Questionnaires concerning socio-demographic variables, Quality of Life and mental health needs were administered (n=182; 90 boys and 92 girls; mean age = 16.2). Given the high prevalence of mental health needs in this study population and their significant negative correlation with QoL, we argue for a holistic view on rehabilitation and to broaden treatment aims in youth forensic care by including not only determinants of recidivism but also determinants of QoL.
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