Screening instrument for mental disorders (SPSy)

Child Protection Board

The SPSy is a questionnaire that helps to get a picture of possible mental health problems in young people. It is administered in combination with the SDQ. The Child Protection Board uses the SPSy as a regular component during investigations in juvenile criminal cases to better assess a young person's situation.

Last change on 1st of December 2025, at 12:59 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0

• Publication category: Impactful algorithms
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• Status: In use

General information

Theme

Law

Begin date

2013

Contact information

[e-mail]

Responsible use

Goal and impact

Purpose: The SPSy is used by the RvdK as a tool within to gather information in a structured manner about possible psychological problems (e.g. eating problems, substance use, self-destructive behaviour) and strengths (prosocial behaviour). It helps the council investigator to form a fuller picture and identify specific areas of concern that may require further investigation or specialist expertise.

Impact: Young people and their parents may be asked to complete the questionnaire. The results are included in the analysis of the young person's situation and may contribute to the advice given by the RvdK. The SPSy does not lead to automatic decisions or diagnoses, but supports professional judgement.

Considerations

The RvdK uses the SPSy for broader screening, especially for adolescents with suspected more complex or specific problems. The SPSy is used in combination with the SDQ. These instruments provide valuable information, provided the outcomes are carefully interpreted by qualified RvdK professionals (e.g. counsellors, behavioural experts) who are aware of the nature of the instrument (screening, not diagnosis).

Human intervention

The outcomes (scores) of the SPSy are always interpreted by a qualified professional of the RvdK (e.g. counsellor, behavioural expert). The scores are not considered as stand-alone data, but as information that is weighed in the context of all other information collected. The professional assesses the relevance and significance of the scores and, where appropriate, discusses them with those involved. There is no automated decision-making based on the SPSy scores, human analysis and professional judgement always prevail.

Risk management

The RvdK recognises the risks associated with the use of screening instruments, especially with the sensitive topics the SPSy touches on (e.g.: psychotic features). To manage these risks, the SPSy is used by trained professionals who know how to act in the event of alarming signals. The outcomes are always placed in a broader context.

Legal basis

The basis for the RvdK's use of the SPsy lies in its legal duties. The tasks that apply when using the SPsy are set out in the Criminal Code (Sr) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Sv). The advisory task in the event of a behaviour-influencing measure is described in article 77w, paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code, the advisory task in the event of detention and early assistance is described in article 490 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the advisory task in criminal cases of juveniles is described in articles 494/494a/498 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Below are hyperlinks to the articles of law in the above order.

Links to legal bases

• Section 77w Penal Code: https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0001854&boek=Eerste&titeldeel=VIII_A&artikel=77w&z=2023-10-01&g=2023-10-01
• Article 490 Code of Criminal Procedure: https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0001903&boek=Vierde&titeldeel=II&afdeling=Tweede&artikel=490&z=2023-10-01&g=2023-10-01
• Sections 494/494a/498 Code of Criminal Procedure: https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0001903&boek=Vierde&titeldeel=II&afdeling=Tweede&artikel=494&z=2023-10-01&g=2023-10-01

Elaboration on impact assessments

A DPIA is not necessary because we do not process personal data. There is no risk to data subjects. Should personal data be processed and the counsellor actively assesses, the risk to data subjects may be low, so a DPIA is not required.

Operations

Data

The SPSy is based on a young person's and their parents' responses to questions about behaviour, feelings, social interactions and specific themes such as eating behaviour, substance use, self-destructive behaviour and psychotic experiences. The answers reflect perceptions over a given period (often past 6 months). Answers are given on a three-point scale ('not true', 'somewhat true', 'definitely true'). The outcome of the questionnaire is incorporated into the report.

Technical design

The SPSy is administered together with the SDQ. Each question is answered with "not true", "somewhat true" or "definitely true". The five scales of the SPSy are eating disorders, alcohol problems, substance abuse, psychotic features and self-destructive behaviour. Each scale, after answering the questions, is given a conclusion stating "No/nearly signs", "Some signs", "Many signs". The SPSy is meant to be filled in by a young person themselves (version young person) and additionally by one of the parents (version parents).

The conclusions drawn from the scales help to identify strengths and possible psychosocial problems in children and adolescents. The instrument is not self-learning.

External provider

Developer: Prof Robert Goodman