Minister Mirjam Sterk issued formal government apologies on Saturday in Ede to individuals subjected to systemic abuses and freedom-restricting measures within closed youth care and juvenile justice institutions, acknowledging that the harrowing conditions were never the fault of the vulnerable minors.
During a solemn gathering at the Akoesticum in Ede, the cabinet officially recognized the profound suffering endured by former residents of closed youth care facilities. The formal apology was delivered on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Ministry of Justice and Security, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, and Jeugdzorg Nederland.
It is a first step to recovery and further change of closed youth care. Rijksoverheid.nl
The initiative aims to address institutional failure where vulnerable young people were placed in highly restrictive environments, often facing severe isolation, physical and mental aggression, and occasional sexual misconduct.
Systemic Abuses and the Impact of Investigative Findings
The severity of the conditions inside these secure facilities came to light following comprehensive investigations and reports spearheaded by experiential expert Jason Bhugwandass. His initial findings focused on the ZIKOS departments, which represent the most intensive form of closed youth care in the Netherlands, uncovering what he characterized as an extreem repressief klimaat
where staff frequently utilized disciplinary measures to suppress psychiatric symptoms among residents.
Subsequent follow-up evaluations conducted by Bhugwandass revealed distressing outcomes for those who had passed through the system. Nearly all of the individuals interviewed continued to battle enduring psychological trauma. The reports noted that 38 had attempted suicide following their placement, and five individuals had died before the government issued its formal expression of regret.
Mirjam Sterk, State Secretary for Long-term Care, Youth and Sport, stated that for some these words come too late because they are no longer alive.
While the state has accepted responsibility, the apology has not escaped criticism. Bhugwandass has pointed out that the process lacked sufficient input from the affected youth, that the designated financial support remains inadequate, and that additional responsible organizations should have taken accountability. Anne Krijtenburg, who participated in discussions through Stichting ExpEx, acknowledged the ongoing frustration while defending the milestone.
Als je iets fout hebt gedaan, zeg je sorry. Veel mensen denken dat de pijn die ons is aangedaan, onze eigen schuld is. Nu wordt eindelijk uitgesproken dat dat niet zo is. Anne Krijtenburg, Stichting ExpEx via NOS
Financial Compensation and Structured Support Systems
These resources are designed to facilitate peer connections through organized online and offline meeting spaces where former residents, their families, and surviving relatives can share experiences and build support networks.
Additionally, the official recovery framework provides for dedicated process guides to assist individuals who encounter difficulties in daily life, specifically addressing critical areas such as housing, personal finance, family stability, employment, and ongoing healthcare.
The 2030 Phase-Out Target and Ongoing Alternative Care Crises
The formal recognition of past trauma runs parallel to broader structural reforms aimed at the dismantling of closed youth care. The state maintains a targeted objective to phase out the traditional model by 2030, ensuring that no new young people are admitted to highly restrictive facilities and steering remaining locations toward smaller, more individualized group settings.
Over the past decade, the population within these secure centers has steadily decreased, with just over 500 youths staying in such institutions annually. However, investigative reporting by outlets like Zembla has highlighted a significant systemic bottleneck: the absence of adequate and affordable alternative placements for troubled youths. Consequently, many vulnerable minors are temporarily housed in less suitable environments, including holiday parks and campsites, supervised by round-the-clock professional aides.
While officials continue to emphasize that early intervention and community-based support are essential to prevent the initial intake into secure institutions, the transition remains a complex challenge requiring continuous coordination between municipal authorities, youth care providers, and national ministries.
