The Dutch Entrustment Act (TBS): Its Principles and Innovations

Abstract

Terbeschikkingstelling (TBS) is a provision in the Dutch criminal code that allows for a period of treatment following a prison sentence for mentally disordered offenders. This article describes the legal criteria as well as the actual treatment environment of the TBS. Discussion focuses on the selection of patients and the indications for treatment, quality improvement in treatment programs and their evaluation, and the exchange of knowledge about the TBS approach and its effectiveness.