Judicial Youth Institution Den Haag
A judicial youth institution (JJI) is a secure facility for young people aged 12 to 23 from areas such as Den Haag, who have been sentenced by the Rechtbank Den Haag to a custodial measure or are held in pre-trial detention. Managed by the Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI), these facilities combine enforcement of sentences, maintaining order, and resocialization through education, therapy, and sports, in keeping with Dutch youth criminal law.
What is a judicial youth institution in the Den Haag context?
JJIs house young people from Den Haag and surrounding areas who have committed offenses, such as burglaries in the Schilderswijk, violent incidents, or drug-related crimes. In addition to serving their sentences, the emphasis is on personal development and safe reintegration into society. Unlike open youth care facilities, JJIs are heavily secured with fences, cameras, and trained staff. Young people from Den Haag are often referred to locations like the Toekomstfabriek in Veenhuizen or nearby institutions, following a decision by the juvenile court judge at the Rechtbank Den Haag.
Living groups accommodate 8 to 12 young people, each with their own room including a bed, desk, and bathroom. The daily regime is strict: classes, work, sports, and therapy follow a fixed schedule.
Legal basis for JJI placement from Den Haag
JJIs fall under youth criminal law, specifically Title IIa of the Dutch Criminal Code (arts. 77a-77zz Sr) and the Youth Act (art. 2.1 et seq.). The regime follows the Start Regime for Youth Institutions and Placement Conditions for Youth Institutions (PvJI). Parts of the Penitentiary Principles Act (Pbw) apply for security, supplemented by youth protection under the Youth Act. The juvenile court judge at the Rechtbank Den Haag decides on placement through interim or final judgments, for example for PIJ (up to 7 years, art. 77c Sr) with periodic reviews.
When does a young person from Den Haag enter a JJI?
Placement from Den Haag occurs in cases of:
- Youth detention (JD): Short sentence up to 7 days (art. 77g CCP).
- PIJ: Treatment for serious offenses (art. 77c Sr).
- ISD: For persistent offenders (art. 77q Sr).
- Pre-trial detention: During investigation (art. 77ee CCP).
The public prosecutor in Den Haag requests placement; the judge decides. For less serious cases, HALT or youth detention may suffice, but recidivism leads to JJI via the Rechtbank Den Haag.
Daily life in a JJI for young people from Den Haag
A standard day:
- 07:00 - Morning routine and breakfast.
- 08:30 - Education or work until 15:00.
- 15:00 - Sports, therapy, or recreation.
- 17:00 - Dinner.
- 20:00 - Activities or seclusion if necessary.
- 21:30 - Lights out.
Education ranges from VMBO to VWO levels, including vocational training and therapy for aggression or addiction. Weekly family visits; leave possible after some time.
Example 1: Jamal from Den Haag
16-year-old Jamal from the Schilderswijk in Den Haag commits burglaries. The Rechtbank Den Haag imposes a 2-year PIJ sentence. He attends classes, therapy for impulsivity, and basketball. After a year, supervised leave and successful reintegration.
Example 2: Pre-trial detention in Den Haag
A 15-year-old suspect in a robbery spends 3 weeks in a JJI. Daily reports are sent to the examining magistrate at the Rechtbank Den Haag.
Rights and obligations in a JJI
Rights:
- Education and care (art. 3 PvJI).
- Family visits and phone calls.
- Complaints to the director or juvenile court judge at Rechtbank Den Haag.
- No discrimination; freedom of religion.
Obligations:
- Comply with the regime; no drugs/violence.
- Participate in therapy.
- Cooperate with staff.
Violations lead to sanctions such as room confinement (max. 14 days, art. 28 Start Regime).
| Measure | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Youth detention | 1-7 days | Deterrent effect |
| PIJ | 1-7 years | Treatment |
| ISD | 2 years | Persistent offenders |
Frequently asked questions about JJIs and Den Haag
Can I receive visits in a JJI?
Yes, weekly 1-2 hours with family, supervised. ID and search required. Contact the Juridisch Loket Den Haag for details.
Disagree with placement?
Appeal within 7 days to the juvenile court judge at Rechtbank Den Haag (art. 77gg CCP). Assistance via lawyer or Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
How long is the stay?
From days (JD) to years (PIJ), with reviews every 6 months. Good behavior promotes release.
Education in JJI?
Yes, mandatory and at appropriate level; diplomas valid for further education.
Tips for Den Haag
- For parents: Stay involved, visit, and talk to the mentor. Seek free advice from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag or appeal via Rechtbank Den Haag.
- For young people: Engage with programs for faster resocialization. Contact the Gemeente Den Haag for aftercare.