EFCAP is the European Association for Forensic Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychology & other involved professions, with members from countries in Europe as well as other countries. EFCAP was founded in 1997 at a notary’s office in The Hague (Chamber of Commerce number: 33298871). On November 19th 1997 the Constitution of the EFCAP Association was adopted.

Vision

The European Association for Forensic Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychology and other involved Professions (EFCAP) envisions a world in which all children, adolescents, and young adults with a forensic profile — i.e., those who show disruptive or offending behavior and come into contact with justice and welfare systems — receive developmentally informed, evidence-based and humane care. In this vision, justice, welfare and mental health systems recognize and respond to the developmental needs, mental health vulnerabilities and rights of these young people. Research, clinical practice, education and policy are closely interconnected, enabling informed decision-making, ethical practice and effective interventions.

Through strong interdisciplinary and international collaboration, EFCAP seeks to contribute to a future in which young people with a forensic profile are supported through scientifically informed practices that promote rehabilitation, healthy development and social inclusion.

Mission

• EFCAP’s mission is to advance knowledge, collaboration and professional excellence in the field of forensic child and adolescent psychiatry, psychology, and related disciplines across Europe. Operating at the intersection of mental health, child development and justice, the association works to improve the assessment, treatment and support of young people with a forensic profile who are involved in criminal or civil legal contexts.
• EFCAP serves as a European platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and cooperation, bringing together clinicians, researchers, legal professionals, educators, policymakers and other stakeholders working in forensic youth mental health and justice. The association pursues this mission by promoting high-quality research and international scientific collaboration; supporting the development of evidence-based clinical and professional guidelines; facilitating education, training and knowledge exchange; organizing international congresses and collaborative initiatives; and contributing to policy discussions at national and European levels.

 

Through these activities, EFCAP aims to strengthen the evidence base for effective, ethical and developmentally appropriate interventions with young people with a forensic profile., while supporting justice and care systems that respect their developmental needs, mental health and rights. By fostering stronger connections between research, practice, education and policy, EFCAP aspires to be a leading European network for knowledge exchange and professional collaboration in this field, ultimately improving outcomes for young people with a forensic profile, their families and society.

 

EFCAP is represented by the Board. The Board is supported by the Advisory Board and the Office. Furthermore, Finland, Switzerland and The Netherlands have national EFCAP groups, and national groups in Portugal and Switzerland are in development.. Moreover, the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry Special Interest Group closely collaborates with EFCAP.