Germany – Research and development services and related consultancy services – Forschungsvorhaben zum Thema „Studie zu den Ursachen der gestiegenen Kin-der- und Jugendgewalt sowie systemische Untersuchung der unteren und der oberen Altersgrenze nach dem Jugendgerichtsgesetz (JGG)"

I. Research Objective

The objective of the study to be conducted is to illustrate and evaluate the development of crime among children and young people in general, and the phenomenon of violent crime in particular, as observed since 2015/16, but especially since 2021. Regional disparities should also be considered. Furthermore, hypotheses regarding the causes of this development are to be identified, weighted according to their substantiation by existing research findings and data, and action options (legislative) are to be shown based on the results of the cause analysis. In addition, the existing possibilities for action that are legally available for dealing with crime committed by children, young people and young adults, as well as their implementation in practice, are to be examined. This includes investigating whether children, young people and young adults who have come into conflict with the law are effectively reached by the respective legal consequences regime applicable to them. This also includes the question of whether their actions – taking into account the perspective of the victims – are adequately addressed within the respective system.

II. Methodological Considerations

The research objective is to be achieved through qualitative empirical research, supplemented by quantitative elements. The following research methods are to be used, although the list is not exhaustive. If a different methodological approach is chosen that does not use the mentioned research methods or only some of them, it must be explained how the corresponding findings can be obtained through this approach.

1. Evaluation of Statistical Data

Data that have already been systematically evaluated in recent times or currently, such as in the final report of the BLPG and other publications, should be included or these data should be updated for the current reporting years.

2. File Analysis

Youth prosecutorial and youth court case files, enforcement records, case files of the courts responsible for child custody and placement matters, and files of (independent and public) child and youth welfare services are to be evaluated to determine the facts relevant to answering the research questions, if necessary supplemented by other investigation files relevant to the procedure (police).

3. Knowledge Gaining through Questionnaires and Interviews

The insights gained on the basis of statistical data and file analysis are to be supplemented and, if necessary, deepened by interviews with experts and accompanying questionnaire surveys. A focus should be on the expert assessment of the applicability and efficiency of the existing possibilities for action in the systemic context. A list of the experts to be considered is included in the tender documents.

4. Secondary Analyses

Within the framework of secondary analyses, which evaluate the state of relevant research, it should be clarified whether there are reliable new findings regarding child development in the borderline area of the applicable age of criminal responsibility and the development of young adults with regard to their (youth) criminal law treatment, which could provide a reason for changing the applicable legal framework. The contractor is to independently develop a research concept. Based on the description of services, the research topics, research questions, and certain methodological approaches – not exhaustively – are specified. On this basis, innovative solution proposals are to be developed and thus essential own contributions to the structured design of the service are to be made. A conceptual solution in the sense of § 14 Abs. 3 Nr. 2 VgV is expected. The service is to be awarded as a comprehensive contract. Further details are included in the tender documents.