Five years after the responsibility for youth care in the Netherlands fell to municipalities, 85 percent of them are struggling with financial shortages. Local administrators are forced to fill the gaps with money intended for other policy areas, causing reserves to become increasingly depleted. Opsterland councilor Rob Jonkman had enough last year. With a petition he called on the House of Representatives to address the structural lack of money. We spoke to Jonkman in the run-up to the presentation of the Issue Award, for which he has been nominated with his youth care petition.
The youth care petition you initiated received support from 140 councils of mayor and aldermen, with varying political leanings. What does that say?
'That almost never happens, usually it is individual political parties that work on such a theme. Now there are 140 colleges, so about six hundred mayors and aldermen. This means that it is not focused on party politics, but on issues that affect many municipalities. If municipalities have to constantly contribute money, this will not only affect youth care, but also other policy areas and citizens. All signals are actually on red.'
What are the consequences if the shortages in youth care are not resolved?
'Two problems then arise. Firstly, for example, there is a threat of waiting lists. Without dramatizing this: if people with deep problems cannot get help, this can have dire consequences. In addition, we are reaching the critical point where municipalities have to cut other expenses or increase the burden on residents to meet their budgets.'
Minister De Jonge acknowledges that youth care is not going well and comes up with a sum of money. However, that amount does not make up for the shortage, while the demand for youth care is increasing. How do you view the steps taken by the government?
'Last year, municipalities fell 1.2 billion euros short on youth care. Reserves created by municipalities are therefore becoming increasingly depleted. I agree with the minister that municipalities can save money through policy adjustments, but not the entire amount. What the government has now promised is three times 300 million for the next three years. That is far too little.'
An extensive study will be published this year about the problems in youth care. Not only the budget for youth care is examined there, but also the youth care policy that municipalities implement. Do you have confidence in a good outcome?
'I cannot actually imagine that the conclusion will be that the budgets now promised are sufficient and that the blame lies with municipalities themselves. If 20 percent of the municipalities have a problem, it may be due to the policy, but not if it concerns 85 percent. We may not get another 1.2 billion - the truth will be somewhere in the middle. But even if it is in the middle, it becomes a lot more workable for municipalities.'
What will you do if the investigation does not have that outcome? Actions, or perhaps a new petition?
'It will have to be done. Then we have no choice. We have now received 140 lectures from B&W, but if we have to conclude that we are not receiving enough to properly implement youth care, then I certainly expect this to double.'
