Expert Committee Gives New Advice on Progress of Youth Reform Agenda

As of January 1, 2026, the external and independent Expert Committee for the Youth Reform Agenda 2023-2028 will be reinstalled. This committee monitors whether the agreements regarding youth care are properly implemented and provides a significant and authoritative advice to the Dutch government and the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG). It also examines whether this has the desired effect on expenditures and how to manage them. This is an important agreement from the Reform Agenda.

In January 2025, the committee issued its first advice. The next, second advice is expected in early 2027.

Tasks and Role of the Committee

The committee monitors the progress of the agreements from the Youth Reform Agenda and maps developments and expenditures. It also examines whether the joint efforts actually contribute to the movement that parties want to achieve together in youth care. The committee takes into account bottlenecks and broader social developments that may have an impact, such as pressure on livelihood security or the mental well-being of young people. These outcomes together form the basis for advice to the Dutch government and the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG).

Composition of the Committee

The members of the committee are Tamara van Ark (chair), Han Polman, José Lazeroms, Bernard ter Haar, and Bert Wienen. These five members collectively have knowledge of the youth system, government finances, and administrative relations.