Age estimation of unaccompanied minors Part I. General considerations

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 159; p. S61
• Main Authors: SCHMELING, A, REISINGER, W, GESERICK, G, OLZE, A
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier 15.05.2006; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Age Determination by Skeleton - methods; Biological and medical sciences; Bone Development - physiology; Clavicle - diagnostic imaging; Ethnic Groups; Forensic medicine; Forensic sciences; General aspects; Hand - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Medical sciences; Minors; Physical Examination; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Radiography, Panoramic; Age estimation; Forensic science; Legal medicine; Clavicle ossification; Forensic aspect; Hand ossification; Hand; Ethnic group; Unaccompanied minors; Ossification; Sexual maturation; Ethnicity; Clavicle; Dentition; Minor; Forensic age estimation
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.02.017

In recent years many countries have experienced a sharp increase in the demand for forensic age estimates of unaccompanied minors. In many countries the age thresholds of relevance to criminal prosecution lie between 16 and 22 years. In line with recommendations issued by the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics, for determining the age of live subjects a forensic age estimate should combine the results of a physical examination, an X-ray of the hand and a dental examination which records dentition status and evaluates an orthopantomogram. To assess the age of persons who are assumed to be at least 18 years old, an additional radiographic or CT examination of the collar bones is recommended. Forensic age estimates should take account of the ethnic origin and socio-economic status of the person under examination.