[Status of mentally ill criminals in Germany]

The situation of the mentally diseased lawbreakers in West Germany is described on the basis of an inquiry among 70 clinics or sociotherapeutic institutions. This study shows that the situation of the forensic stations or departments--with the exception of a few model institutions--is absolutely inadequate, both from the viewpoints of construction and as far as staff is concerned. The sociotherapeutic institutions are usually treated and considered as models, and hence they are well equipped. However, the small number of facilities now available is nothing more than a drop in the bucket. Forensic psychiatry is unable to fulfill its legal tasks if it is understaffed and inadequately housed on the one hand, and if the forensically referred patients are not differentiated clearly and unequivocally on the other hand. In this respect, possibilities are discussed which might contribute to improving present conditions.