Adolescent forensic psychiatry: Part 1 – introduction and structure

Adolescent forensic psychiatry sits between adult forensic psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry.

There is a growing network of adolescent forensic psychiatrists working in specialist teams in the UK and a thriving Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry Special Interest Group in the College, which is active and open for all members/associates of the College to join, to share learning and expertise and to give a voice for patients’ needs.

We are enthusiastic about our field of work and would like to encourage others to work, study and research in this area. By writing this module, the first in a two-part series, we hope to inform our colleagues about what adolescent forensic psychiatry is and to provide useful information on the services available in the UK.

The speciality has developed considerably over recent years and further significant changes are in the process of being implemented across the UK. This module aims to update you with the current developments.

In Adolescent forensic psychiatry: Part 2 – assessment and treatment we discuss the assessment and referral process, as well as common treatments used to meet the complex needs of young people.