Samenvatting

Casefile analysis concerning serious youth offenders under a mandatory treatment order in The Netherlands showed that, amongst youth offenders of various IQ-levels (IQ < 70, IQ 70-85, and IQ > 85), behavioural and mental health problems and social background characteristics are in many respects very similar. However, differences found in for example social skills and relationships and the needs inherent with having an intellectual disability (ID) have important implications for the way treatment is offered. As a large proportion of the serious youth offenders has an ID, this is important to consider. Furthermore, as intelligence has a dynamic aspect, the authors advise to occasionally reassess these youths.