News
The entire city of The Hague is strengthening the approach to nuisance and confused behavior. After a successful trial in Escamp with enhanced collaboration between the municipality of The Hague (social domain), Parnassia (mental health care), and the police (safety), this approach is being applied in all Hague districts. Today, Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague, Director of Welfare, Public Health and Care Iris Leene of the municipality, Parnassia director Richard Prins, and care and safety portfolio holder Janine Wildeman of the police signed a cooperation agreement.
For years, registrations of nuisance caused by confused and/or misunderstood behavior have been increasing in the Netherlands. It also puts pressure on the livability and safety in The Hague. It is a problem that is difficult to get a grip on. A small group of people who generate many nuisance reports need help in many areas, such as addiction, psychiatric, and social problems. As a result, various care providers, each with their own expertise, are often involved. Moreover, the police often have to take action in cases of nuisance behavior, which costs many valuable man-hours, while the persons involved mainly need help from the social domain and mental health care (GGZ).
Mayor Van Zanen feels closely involved in tackling nuisance and confused behavior: It touches the core of what The Hague wants to offer all its residents: a safe home, a pleasant and quiet place to live. Where people who, for whatever reason, lose their way are called to order and guided to get their lives back on track. In this way, they are no longer a burden on their environment and can participate in society as independently as possible. With the right persistent help, we can prevent a lot of suffering and ensure peace and happiness for everyone in our neighborhoods.
Escamp
In addition to the existing approach with integrated mental health neighborhood teams, a pilot Approach to Nuisance Confused Behavior was launched in the Escamp district four years ago because a small group of people caused many nuisance reports. The reports about the same persons were brought together by the police, social psychiatric nurses from Parnassia, and case managers from the municipality. This way, the problems could be better addressed, and the number of nuisance reports about the persons involved in the district decreased. It was then decided to use 2024 to implement the approach applied in Escamp throughout the city of The Hague.
Each District
Now, in each district in The Hague, a team of a police specialist for the person-oriented approach, a mental health care worker, and two case managers from the municipality has been set up. This team jointly determines which persons with confused and misunderstood behavior are included in the approach. Then it is assessed who has the best entry point to take on the approach and visit them at home. The focus is on a relatively small group of persons about whom frequent reports are made. It is estimated to involve about a hundred persons in the approach. An important principle is working from personal contact. Involved professionals can gain trust. By persevering with so-called care avoiders, the front door often literally opens, and people eventually accept the care and guidance needed.
According to Mayor Van Zanen, national attention is also needed to better address the problems of nuisance and confused behavior. He, together with other mayors, speaks with the cabinet about what is needed for this. The fact that the pilot in Escamp can now be applied throughout The Hague is also partly thanks to support from the national government.