Largest youth protection agency in the Netherlands is failing
In the media image: Marina Shatskih on Unsplash
Inspectors say the William Schrikker Foundation, a leading Dutch youth protection agency, is failing in its duties. Mariëlle Bruning, Professor of Child Law, told public broadcaster NOS: ‘It's deeply concerning that there's insufficient oversight of children’s safety.’
A critical inspection report has found that the William Schrikker Foundation (WSS), the largest youth protection organisation in the Netherlands, is performing ‘largely inadequately’. The investigation was prompted by the case of a foster girl in Vlaardingen who was severely abused last year. An earlier inspection had already concluded that serious mistakes had been made by youth care organisations. In the new report, the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate and the Inspectorate of Justice and Security assessed the functioning of WSS. ‘I believe the inspectors are very clear,’ said Professor Bruning. ‘They state that children under youth protection orders issued by the court are currently not being adequately safeguarded. That also implies that there's insufficient oversight of their safety. That's deeply concerning.’
WSS will not face sanctions, due to severe staff shortages and a lack of available youth care services. According to Professor Bruning, the absence of sanctions is due to the fact that these shortages are beyond the organisation’s control. ‘But it's beyond belief that for nearly three years we have acknowledged in the Netherlands that young people considered by the courts to be in need of protection are not being properly helped. Yet, we simply carry on as if that's acceptable.’
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