Profiles of official and unofficial long stay patients in Dutch forensic care

• In Event: Deciding on (long-term) forensic care in the Netherlands

Abstract

This study examines long-term patients within the Dutch TBS system, which places individuals with serious criminal offenses and mental disorders in forensic psychiatric care. We compared two types of long-term care: ‘official’ Long-Term Forensic Psychiatric Care (LFPC) and ‘unofficial’ long-term units called long care. Both groups share complex characteristics and treatment challenges, but lack a clear distinction. Analyzing 100 patient files (50 LFPC, 50 long care), we found no significant differences except for factors related to time, such as age and physical health, reflecting longer TBS durations. The study questions the legitimacy of these differing legal frameworks and procedural approaches.

Authors

• Joni Reef, Leiden University

• Eleni Georgaki, Leiden University

• Roosmarijn van Es, Leiden University

• Sanne Ritzema, Leiden University

• Michiel van der Wolf, University of Groningen