Dutch youth care placements abroad to stop immediately

Minister Mirjam Sterk (CDA) told the Tweede Kamer, the House of Representatives, that placements of young people abroad will be stopped immediately. Research found that children placed abroad by Samen Veilig Midden-Nederland (SVMN) were abused and subjected to sexual misconduct.

The independent bureau Maruda carried out the research for SVMN itself. The results became public a day earlier.

“I'm furious about what happened there, and it's dreadful what these children have had to go through,” Sterk said.

Utrecht alderman Dennis de Vries (PRO) wrote to the city council “We are very shocked.” He said the Maruda findings underline “even further” the need for the independent investigation he had already announced. That inquiry covers all municipalities in the province of Utrecht.

In two weeks the SVMN directors will explain themselves to the Utrecht council. Council members from other municipalities will join the session.

Local politicians were sharply critical. André van Manen of Lokaal Veenendaal said: “After all the promises of improvement SVMN has made over the past ten years, enough is enough for me.” Venita Dada-Anthonij of D66 Utrecht said she is annoyed that SVMN accepts responsibility for an improvement process but not for what happened.