Dutch youth care system under pressure: municipalities and schools join forces for reform
One in seven Dutch children currently relies on youth care, but the system is struggling. Local governments, schools, and organizations are collaborating to make care more accessible, sustainable, and community-driven—before problems escalate.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Youth care usage | 1 in 7 children in the Netherlands receives youth care |
| Current challenges | High costs, temporary solutions, and complex access via assessments |
| Meeting date | March 12, 2026 |
| Participants | Primary/secondary schools, local organizations, associations, municipality |
| Reform focus | Early, accessible help; stronger community support; normalizing issues |
| Initiative | Youth Reform Agenda |
Municipalities in the Netherlands are responsible for implementing youth care policies and ensuring access to support services for children and families. They collaborate with schools and local organizations to address gaps in the system and promote preventive measures.
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Read the full translated article below
Meeting on Youth and Parenting: It takes a village to raise a child
It takes a village to raise a child. That was the title of the meeting on youth and parenting held on March 12. Primary schools, secondary education, local organizations, associations, and the municipality came together to discuss the Youth Reform Agenda.
Youth care is expanding
Youth care is bursting at the seams. This calls for a different approach and way of working. Currently, 1 in 7 children receives youth care. Access to this care requires an assessment, and the costs are high. The care is often temporary and not always sustainable.
We discussed, among other things:
- normalizing issues, where not every question requires a care response
- strengthening the pedagogical foundation so that, as a society, we can strengthen our connections
- offering help early, easily accessible, and short-term
Relatable cases
Using theater, real-life cases made it tangible what children, parents, and professionals experience. Participants then viewed these situations with fresh eyes: how do I now look at this situation, what does it ask of me, and what can we do together?
The value of meeting each other
Participants indicated that it is valuable to meet each other again on the topic of youth. They now know each other better and understand what others can contribute. The willingness to move forward together was clearly present.
Want to know more?
Would you like to know more about the Youth Reform Agenda? Then watch the video below.