Child and Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry Survey--in Scotland

Objectives: To review the provision of Adolescent Forensic Services, and assess the need for the development of a separate service as exists for adult mentally disordered offenders.

Design And Subjects: To investigate by postal survey to all child and adolescent psychiatrists in Scotland.

Results: There is a lack of forensic adolescent expertise in Scotland and a perceived need for it. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are required to deal with difficult forensic cases, without appropriate training.

Conclusion: A child and adolescent forensic service for Scotland needs to be developed.