Compared with their proportion in the general population, migrants are over-represented in the German forensic system, according to recent surveys in Bavaria, Hesse and Baden-Württemberg. Among those detained for addiction treatment (§ 64 StGB) a large proportion of migrants originate from former Soviet states but have a German ancestry. Intensive therapeutic efforts for better integration, improving language skills and reprocessing of traumatic memories are central elements of treatment. Among those detained for treatment of mental illness (§ 63 StGB, sentenced due to serious violence and manslaughter) foreign citizens are over-represented, apparently after falling through the net of the general psychiatric system. Untreated or insufficiently treated people with psychotic disorders more often commit criminal offences. Therapy involves clarifying immigration issues and reprocessing of complex family and offence narratives. Case reports are used to illustrate common problems.

Migration Forensic psychiatry Germany Transcultural psychiatry Forensic psychotherapy

[No Keywords available]