summary
In the course of the past 25 years in Flanders there has been a real breakthrough as far as forensic psychiatry is concerned. New types of treatment have become available for mentally disturbed offenders, whether they are in prison or in the community. A new Belgian law on mentally disturbed offenders with diminished responsibility confirms that 'internment' is still regarded as a protective measure and an alternative to punishment. The current university course in psychiatry should now be widened to include the subject of forensic mental health.