The Green Party Calls for Reform of Custodial Treatment in Germany
Berlin, Germany – July 21, 2025 – The German Bundestag’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Consumer Protection is set to engage in a significant discussion regarding the reform of the Maßregelvollzug, Germany’s system of custodial treatment for individuals with mental disorders or addiction issues who have committed criminal offenses. The Green Party has taken the initiative to bring this crucial topic to the forefront, highlighting the need for modernization and improved patient care within this specialized sector.
The “Kurzmeldungen hib” (Hib Short News) service of the Bundestag reported on July 21, 2025, that the Green Party intends to address the reform of the Maßregelvollzug in 2023. This signals a commitment from the party to examine and potentially update the legal framework and practical implementation of this complex area of law and healthcare.
The Maßregelvollzug, governed by Section 63 and Section 64 of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch), serves a dual purpose: to protect society by incapacitating individuals deemed dangerous due to their mental state or addiction, while simultaneously providing therapeutic treatment aimed at rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. However, the system has faced ongoing scrutiny and calls for reform, addressing concerns related to treatment effectiveness, patient rights, and the conditions within facilities.
While the precise details of the Green Party’s proposed reforms are not yet fully elaborated in the initial announcement, their thematic focus indicates a likely emphasis on several key areas. These could include:
- Modernization of Therapeutic Approaches: The party may advocate for the integration of the latest evidence-based therapeutic methods, potentially including advancements in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and addiction treatment. The goal would be to ensure that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and are demonstrably effective in promoting recovery and preventing future offenses.
- Enhancement of Patient Rights and Dignity: Reforms might aim to strengthen the rights of individuals undergoing custodial treatment, ensuring their access to adequate legal counsel, respectful treatment, and opportunities for meaningful engagement in their rehabilitation process. This could involve improving communication channels, grievance procedures, and the overall living conditions within facilities.
- Focus on Prevention and Early Intervention: The Greens are often champions of preventative measures. Their reform proposals might explore strategies for earlier identification of individuals at risk, potentially linking with mental health services and social support systems to avert situations that could lead to offenses requiring Maßregelvollzug.
- Improved Staff Training and Support: The effectiveness of any correctional or therapeutic system relies heavily on its personnel. The party could call for enhanced training and ongoing professional development for doctors, therapists, nurses, and correctional officers working within Maßregelvollzug facilities, ensuring they are equipped to handle the complex needs of this patient population.
- Evaluation and Accountability: A core aspect of any reform process is robust evaluation. The Green Party might propose mechanisms for regular, independent assessments of the Maßregelvollzug system’s performance, focusing on treatment outcomes, societal safety, and the well-being of those under its care.
The initiative by the Green Party underscores a growing recognition across the political spectrum in Germany of the need to ensure that the Maßregelvollzug is not only a system of confinement but also a genuine pathway to recovery and reintegration for individuals who have committed offenses while suffering from mental health challenges or addiction. Further discussions and concrete proposals are expected as the Bundestag’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Consumer Protection delves deeper into this important societal issue.
Grüne thematisieren Reform des Maßregelvollzugs von 2023
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Kurzmeldungen hib) published ‘Grüne thematisieren Reform des Maßregelvollzugs von 2023’ at 2025-07-21 08:58. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.