Child protection concerns are on the rise in Flanders and Brussels, with a notable increase in reports to the Dutch-speaking youth courts. As of 2025-06-13 08:12:00, authorities have registered 37,817 minors involved in cases ranging from neglect to abuse. This growing number signals a critical challenge for local child welfare systems.
- 37,817 children reported to youth prosecutors
- Police reports cite neglect and abuse cases
- 60% of affected children under 12 years
- Youth prosecutors seek voluntary family cooperation
- 10% rise in mandated youth care cases
- Forced intervention used as last resort
The majority of these reports come from police records citing issues like intrafamilial violence, truancy, and runaway children. With a 7.3 percent increase compared to 2022, over 60 percent of affected children are under 12 years old. How can communities better support these vulnerable youngsters before situations worsen?
When concerns arise, youth courts first seek voluntary cooperation from families to provide help. If this fails, mandated interventions through child support centers or child abuse reporting centers follow. What steps are taken before forced assistance is imposed by juvenile courts?
Why does this increase matter for Belgian society? The data highlights the urgent need for effective preventive and supportive measures. Key points include:
- Over half of the cases involve children younger than 12, emphasizing early childhood vulnerability.
- There was a 10 percent rise in mandated support interventions between 2022 and 2023.
- Authorities prioritize voluntary cooperation before escalating to forced youth court involvement.
- Police reports remain the primary source of notifications to youth courts.
Moving forward, local authorities and communities must strengthen early detection and support networks to prevent harm. Encouraging family cooperation and expanding access to voluntary services could reduce the need for judicial intervention, ensuring safer environments for Belgium’s children.
