The report notes that all of those young persons between the ages of 18 and 21 who are sentenced to youth imprisonment have previously committed criminal offenses and have had a long history of treatment under the Child Welfare Act. Many have been subject to institutional treatment in youth reform schools. Thus, when the sentence to youth imprisonment is finally imposed, it is nearly always on the ground of serious and extensive criminality. Youth imprisonment is imposed for a maximum of 3 years in the institution followed by a period of supervision while on parole. Recidivism rates are higher for youth having been in institutions than for any other kind of sanction. Sanctions other than incarceration which can be used for young adult offenders include ordinary imprisonment, probation, and handing over to the child welfare authorities under the Child Welfare Act. The committee recommends a new sanction of treatment in freedom called a supervision order, which involves intensive supervision. In necessary cases, this can be combined with a condition that the sentenced person reside in a probation hostel or undergo a short period of deprived liberty. As a substitute for probation, the committee recommends two new forms of conditional sentence: a conditional sentence with supervision and a conditional sentence with support measures. It is intended that these two forms of conditional sentence can be used over and above the present conditional sentence which neither imposes supervision obligations nor is combined with any form of help or support measures. In addition, the committee proposes that for young adult offenders under the age of 21, the law should permit the level of punishment to be lowered and should limit the use of ordinary imprisonment for persons between 18 and 21 years. The report also discusses the way in which parole following a prison sentence should be organized and regulations concerning early release from prison. Other matters, such as interim provisions, are examined, and a draft for a change in legislation concerning the penal code is presented. Tables are included. Other proposals for changes in legislation and a draft of new regulations for probation and parole are appended. An English summary is provided. (Author summary modified)