Chamber again underlines youth care problems, but doubts about how to proceed | Domestic

Jason Bhugwandass’ report is on top of the pile of reports and research that MP Lisa Westerveld (GL-PvdA) had brought with her to the debate on closed youth care. His research once again exposed the problems in closed youth care. Young people in the so-called Very Intensive and Short-term Observation and Stabilization Unit (ZIKOS) reported having been locked up for most of their day and shared experiences of harassment and even abuse.

Despite these and other studies that reveal problems in closed youth care, there is still no answer to the question of why things have gone wrong for so long and continue to go wrong. That is why NSC MP Faith Bruyning wants a brief parliamentary inquiry into these abuses. She submitted a motion to this effect on Thursday, which was also signed by Westerveld.

A brief parliamentary inquiry is a way to hear ministers and, for example, youth care administrators under oath. After a ‘normal’ parliamentary inquiry, this is the strongest tool that the House can use. A brief parliamentary inquiry into childcare allowance was previously conducted.

A suitable instrument, thought Marijke Seynhaeve (D66). “We see that despite all intentions, we keep encountering the same problems. This is an instrument to gain more insight.”

It is clear that the current improvement measures in closed youth care have fallen short, said Patrick Crijns (PVV). But he thought a parliamentary inquiry was too onerous. “Then you are immediately in gear 4.” But the House has already had gears 1, 2 and 3, Westerveld thought.

Other MPs also wonder what a parliamentary inquiry will contribute to the pile of investigations on Westerveld’s desk. “What more can a parliamentary inquiry achieve than the conclusion that has already been reached?”, BBB MP Mona Keijzer wondered.

Even without a parliamentary inquiry, steps can be taken to improve youth care, says Judith Tielen (VVD). According to her, holding a parliamentary inquiry focuses too much on the past.

The House has agreed for a long time that youth care must be improved and, for example, work is already being done to phase out closed youth care. Bhugwandass’ report on the ZIKOS department in closed youth care underlines that “we must take an extra step with all parties,” said outgoing State Secretary Maarten van Ooijen. “This should never have happened.”

Following Bhugwandass’ report, it is being investigated whether the so-called ZIKOS departments should still be deployed. The inspectorate is also looking at how it can better investigate the conditions in closed youth care.

This is not just an additional report, the supporters of the motion emphasize. According to Bruyning, a parliamentary inquiry is a means “to get to the core and expose persistent patterns”. “We can’t move forward without looking in the rearview mirror.” Then, according to the NSC MP, action can be taken.

“I see and hear all kinds of indignant voices when another report is released showing that there are abuses,” said Westerveld. She is surprised that other MPs point out that there is no need to look back and that current plans must be accelerated. “Look back at where things are going fundamentally wrong. Let’s break through that by also looking at ourselves. Now we are back in the same pattern. What good is that for the young people?”

The House will vote on the motion next week.