Youth Act Scope Bill in Internet Consultation

State Secretary Tielen (Youth, Prevention and Sport): “Too many young people and families currently rely on (professional) youth care, causing young people not always to receive the right help and putting pressure on the system. Therefore, I am working together with municipalities on a cultural shift: less problematizing, organizing support closer to families, and deploying specialized youth care only when truly necessary and effective. This way, young people receive the right support faster, municipalities gain more control, and youth care remains affordable and available.”

The Youth Act Scope Bill introduces several necessary measures to ensure youth care is used as appropriately as possible: light when possible, heavy when necessary. Every municipality is required to have a local team where residents can easily turn to. This team is the first point of contact for young people and families—for example, for questions about parenting—and can provide help and support themselves. This can be at school or in the neighborhood. Support is provided as much as possible in groups: this appears to suit most help requests well. The local team looks together with youth and parents with a broad perspective at what exactly is going on. It also encourages parents to address underlying problems.

Furthermore, cooperation between schools and local teams is mandatory. The team also works with other domains such as debt counseling and general practitioners and youth doctors. The position of these teams relative to other referrers is strengthened when referring to youth care. It is also arranged that light help precedes heavier help.

Through internet consultation, everyone can provide suggestions to improve bills. This increases the involvement of citizens, companies, and institutions in the development of laws and regulations. The Youth Act Scope Bill will be in consultation next week until April 13, 2026. Additionally, targeted implementation tests are conducted and advice is requested from involved parties including the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ), the Childrens Ombudsman, and the Advisory Board on Regulatory Burden (ATR).