JUSTICE FOR ALL conference. Developing the future plan alongside the social net and the probation officer can have a very positive psychological effect on the person concerned, giving them perspective and the feeling of ownership of this plan. Further advantages include: • comprehensive, interactive information flow on all sides (professionals, family members, the person concerned); • well and comprehensively planned leisure activities; and • more clarity regarding tasks, roles and responsibilities, as well as more understanding and acceptance for necessary plans. In addition, SNCs are not only an advantage for the person concerned, but also for the relatives and caretakers, who may otherwise feel overwhelmed and left alone with problems and burdens they have experienced with their relatives' situation/disability. Against this background, they experience the SNCs as a forum in which they have been comprehensively informed for the first time about the requirements, tasks, aspects and problems to be considered.503 Last but not least, the prison facilities, whose capacities are often overstretched, also benefit. In order to alleviate strain on the prison facilities and forensic therapeutic centres, alternative measures to deprivation of liberty are urgently needed. IV. REMAINING CHALLENGES While there are many advantages to the implementation of SNCs, some challenges remain. Firstly, the implementation in practice depends crucially on whether there will be enough outpatient alternative support measures and resources to the forensic-therapeutic centres. This also requires secure funding.504 Secondly, studies have shown that the success rate often depends on whether the person concerned is embedded in a suitable social network. However, unfortunately, many defendants and detainees with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities do not have a strong social environment which may preclude them from this opportunity.505 Furthermore, considering the interests and needs of victims of violent acts requires sensitivity, especially if the acts have occurred in a social proximity and if there is a possibility of future contact between the victim and the perpetrator. In such cases, it is advisable to diligently examine and plan the involvement of the victim's side in advance.506 In addition, SNCs are under considerable time pressure. The SNC has little time to talk to all relevant actors (family, psychologists, doctors, the concerned person himself) from their commencement until the time of the decision about a possible alternative measure. However, they require sufficient time for good quality planning about the future of the person concerned, which is crucial for a positive decision of the court regarding any alternative measures.507 Finally, since Art 431 (2) 2 ACCP is merely a discretionary provision, it remains to be seen to what extent judges will make use of the right of ordering a SNC. So far SNCs are only foreseen in case of the refraining from the execution of preventive measures, but not conditional release (as the reform law does not cover the conditional release yet). 119

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