Dutch Minister Mirjam Sterk has apologised for serious abuses in closed youth care and judicial youth institutions. Speaking in Ede on Saturday, she admitted that the authorities failed to provide safe places and proper care for vulnerable young people.
The apology was issued on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Ministry of Justice and Security, Jeugdzorg Nederland, and the Association of Dutch Municipalities. Addressing a room of victims, relatives, and friends, the long-term care minister acknowledged that many young people faced strict, oppressive living environments and experienced physical, mental, and sexual violence. Tens of thousands of youths have been affected over the years, though the exact figure remains unknown.
The scale of the mistreatment came to light following two reports by expert Jason Bhugwandass. His first investigation involved 51 young people from ZIKOS wards, which represent the most restrictive form of closed youth care. The research described an intensely repressive climate where staff used punishments to manage psychiatric symptoms, a finding later confirmed by the inspectorate.
A follow-up study last summer assessed progress made on previous recommendations. Bhugwandass found that only the call to close the ZIKOS departments had been fully implemented, while other measures including formal apologies, financial compensation, and proactive aftercare were neglected. He highlighted the lasting trauma among survivors, noting that nearly all participants still struggled with psychological issues, 38 had attempted suicide, and five had died.
Minister Sterk addressed these tragic losses in her speech, noting that the apology comes too late for those who are no longer alive. While confirming plans to phase out closed youth welfare entirely, she acknowledged that the transition cannot happen immediately. Authorities have launched support initiatives, including online and offline meeting spaces, to help affected young people on their path to recovery.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
