The issue of youth care capacity in Belgium has once again come to light, highlighting the urgent need for more suitable facilities. On 2025-06-11 19:06:00, authorities finally found shelter for a vulnerable girl, but the ongoing shortage of places in youth care centres remains a critical problem. This shortage affects many minors who cannot return home and urgently need safe, stable environments.
- Parket West-Vlaanderen urges solutions for shortages
- Jeugdrechter highlights crisis in youth care
- Minor placed in unsuitable hospital and police settings
- Crisis center fails to provide adequate support
- Stability and protection lacking in emergency placements
- Structural problem persists over several years
West Flanders’ public prosecutor and the youth judge in Ypres emphasize that this is not an isolated incident. The crisis point for minors is overwhelmed daily, forcing courts and prosecutors to place children in inappropriate settings like hospitals or police cells. Such environments fail to provide the protection and stability these young people desperately need.
Why does this shortage persist despite repeated warnings? And how can Belgium better protect its most vulnerable youth? The following fast answer sheds light on the current state of youth care in the region.
What does this mean for Belgium’s youth justice system? The ongoing lack of proper youth care spaces raises serious concerns about child welfare and the effectiveness of current crisis interventions. Key points include:
- Minors often end up in hospitals or police cells, environments not designed for child protection.
- Such placements can worsen trauma rather than provide safety and stability.
- Daily clashes between youth courts and crisis centres reveal systemic inadequacies.
- Long-term solutions require investment in specialised youth care infrastructure.
Addressing this crisis demands coordinated action from policymakers, social services, and the justice system to expand capacity and develop tailored care solutions. Can Belgium rise to this challenge and secure a safer future for its youth?
