Dutch Youth Care System Faces Major Overhaul: What’s Changing and Why
The Dutch government is poised to significantly reshape its youth care system with the proposed “Reikwijdte Jeugdwet” (Scope of the Youth Law). This legislation, currently in internet consultation until April 13, 2026, aims to address rising costs and ensure that the right support reaches vulnerable young people and families efficiently. The core principle? “Light when possible, heavy when necessary.”
The Rising Costs and Growing Strain on Youth Care
Recent years have seen a substantial increase in the number of young people accessing youth care services in the Netherlands. This surge has placed a considerable financial burden on municipalities, who are responsible for funding these services. The government’s goal is to curb this growth, focusing resources on those with the most critical needs.
Key Changes Introduced by the Reikwijdte Jeugdwet
The proposed law introduces several key changes designed to streamline the system and improve outcomes:
Mandatory Local Teams
Every municipality will be required to establish a local team, serving as a first point of contact for young people and families seeking support. These teams will offer information, advice, and, when appropriate, direct access to youth care services. Access will be available both online and in local communities.
Strengthened Collaboration with Schools
The legislation mandates closer collaboration between schools and local teams. This aims to identify and address issues early on, preventing them from escalating into more serious problems requiring intensive intervention.
Differentiating Between Light and Heavy Care
A clear distinction will be made between “light” and “heavy” youth care. Lighter forms of support, requiring no referral, will be prioritized for less complex issues. Access to heavier, more specialized care will require a referral from a local team, following a thorough assessment of need.
Re-evaluation of Existing Cases
Municipalities will be obligated to regularly re-evaluate the needs of young people currently in youth care, ensuring that services remain appropriate and effective. The frequency of these re-evaluations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Role of General Practitioners
The role of general practitioners (GPs) in referring young people to youth care is too being redefined. Even as GPs currently account for 40% of referrals, the modern law aims to channel more referrals through the local teams once they are fully established.
Focus on Prevention and Underlying Issues
The Reikwijdte Jeugdwet isn’t solely about restricting access to care. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying causes of youth problems, such as issues related to education, housing, participation, and debt relief. Organizations like MIND are advocating for increased investment in preventative measures, including strengthening social support networks within communities and providing accessible drop-in services.
The Financial Imperative
The changes are also driven by a need to ensure the financial sustainability of the youth care system. The “Hervormingsagenda Jeugd” (Youth Reform Agenda) aims to reduce spending while maintaining quality of care for the most vulnerable. This has raised concerns among some organizations, like MIND, who caution against prioritizing cost-cutting over the well-being of young people.
What This Means for Families and Young People
The new law could indicate a shift in how families access support. Instead of directly contacting specialized youth care providers, they will likely need to engage with their local team first. This could lead to quicker access to appropriate support for some, but also potential delays or bureaucratic hurdles for others. The success of the reforms will depend on the effectiveness of the local teams and their ability to navigate the complexities of the system.
FAQ
Q: What is the deadline to provide feedback on the Reikwijdte Jeugdwet?
A: The deadline is April 13, 2026.
Q: What are ‘local teams’?
A: Local teams are the new first point of contact for youth and families seeking support, offering information, advice, and referrals.
Q: Will I still be able to go directly to a youth care provider?
A: Generally, you will need to go through your local team first, especially for heavier forms of care.
Q: What is the ‘Hervormingsagenda Jeugd’?
A: It’s a broader reform agenda aiming to make the youth care system financially sustainable while ensuring quality care for the most vulnerable.
Did you know? The Dutch government is aiming to reduce the number of young people in youth care from one in seven to one in ten.
Pro Tip: If you have experience with local teams, your feedback on the internet consultation will be particularly valuable.
Want to learn more about the proposed changes and share your thoughts? Visit the internet consultation website to submit your feedback before April 13, 2026.
