An important finding supported by this study was that juvenile offenders experienced the initial period in custody as a very stressful time. This initial period was accompanied by emotional reactions like fear, anger, guilt, or shame. However, the emotional stress decreased the longer juveniles stayed in custody. Treatment that was perceived as being unfair could increase emotional stress and might have a negative effect on the safety within a judicial institution. Based on these findings, three recommendations were made: (1) phasing of custody; (2) preliminary residential plan during remand; and (3) univocal communication by all parties involved about the course of the criminal case during the remand period. The absence of Dutch empirical studies on the topic of dealing with emotions in custody limits general statements about the findings indicates the need for more research with regard to juvenile experiences with incarceration. The way an incarceration is experienced and the emotional reactions of juveniles incarcerated in a custodial institution do not remain constant throughout the entire period of imprisonment. The initial period, in particular, is emotionally stressful for juveniles. The central question presented in this exploratory study, requested by the Department of Judicial Youth Policy, is what is the relation between custody and the emotional reactions of juvenile inmates, and, based on the literature, what could be said about the effects of emotional reactions of juveniles during custody on criminal recidivism. References and appendixes 1-3