Sharp rise in young offenders held in adult prison
The number of young offenders placed in adult prisons in the Netherlands has skyrocketed in recent years, raising alarms about systemic shortcomings in the country’s youth detention system. Official data shows a more than tenfold increase, with 29 young offenders detained in adult facilities in 2022 compared to 308 in 2024.
These so-called "at-risk youth" (risicojongeren) are offenders up to 23 years old who, while legally subject to adult criminal law, are sentenced under youth detention guidelines due to developmental considerations. However, many of these young people end up in adult prisons due to a chronic lack of capacity in youth detention centers.
The rise in young offenders being held in adult prisons stems from alleged systemic issues, including a shortage of cells, trained staff, and youth support services. These deficits have caused bottlenecks in youth detention facilities, leaving younger detainees stuck in the system and delaying their transition back into society.
The situation has also created significant risks. In 2022, staff shortages at Den Hey-Acker, a youth detention center in Breda, led to severe incidents, including a fatal hostage situation and a stabbing.
The Inspectorate of Justice and Security has described the placement of at-risk youth in adult prisons as “undesirable.” This assessment also applies to specialized youth sections temporarily created in the adult prisons of Zeist and Almelo.
“Even in these sections, the care and supervision are not tailored to the needs of young offenders,” said a spokesperson for the Inspectorate. “The staff is not specifically trained to guide this group.”
State Secretary for Justice and Security Ingrid Coenradie called the current situation "highly undesirable," citing concerns not only for the young offenders but also for the broader prison system.
“Regular prisons are overcrowded partly because detainees are not placed in the appropriate facilities. This situation demands sharp decisions and creative solutions that prioritize the safety of society, prison staff, and detainees,” Coenradie said.
The government has announced plans to expand capacity in youth detention centers this year in an effort to address the growing problem.
