Samenvatting

Forensic care is provided under political and societal pressure. At the same time this sector faces an increasing lack of qualified personnel. This study describes whether, and if so in which way, social robots can contribute to the quality of forensic care and relieve the burden on staff. As no studies have yet been conducted on the applicability of this technology in forensic care, first literature was searched for studies on experiences with social robots in general mental health care. Subsequently, by means of desk research, forensic treatment methods were identified for which social robotics could currently be used. For three tasks for which potential for social robots was seen prototypes were developed, namely ADL, Companionship and Early Recognition Method. Two focus groups in which a total of twelve employees from the forensic field discussed the applicability of these prototypes as well as social robotics in general in forensic care. The participants saw various opportunities for social robots to contribute to the quality of treatment. It was concluded that the use of robots should be seen as a supplement to or deepening of current care, and not as a replacement for care as it is currently provided by humans. It is also emphasized that the implementation of social robotics in forensic care requires specialized knowledge and skills from the already heavily burdened forensic care providers.