Minister apologizes for abuses in closed youth care

A government minister has issued a formal apology to tens of thousands of young people who experienced abuse while in closed youth care facilities across the Netherlands. Speaking on behalf of multiple government and youth care organizations, the minister acknowledged that many individuals were subjected to physical, mental, and sexual violence within a repressive environment. The apology follows reports by Jason Bhugwandass, which revealed that former residents suffered long-term psychological consequences, with many struggling with trauma and suicide attempts. One particularly concerning finding was that five individuals from the original study had died in the years following their stay.

Despite the gravity of these findings, critics noted that previous recommendations, including the provision of compensation and aftercare, were largely ignored. The government has now announced a commitment to end the system of closed youth care, though officials admitted this transition will take time. In the interim, new support platforms are being established to provide recovery and contact opportunities for those affected. Youth care leadership expressed a goal to close the remaining specialized units within two years.