Judicial Youth Institution: Important for Westland Youth

Judicial Youth Institution

A judicial youth institution (JJI) is a secure facility for Westland youth aged 12 to 23 who have been sentenced by the Westland District Court to a custodial sentence or placed in pre-trial detention. Managed by the Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI), these institutions combine punishment, structure, and reintegration through education, therapy, and sports, in line with Dutch youth criminal law.

What exactly is a judicial youth institution?

JJIs house youth from Westland and surrounding areas who have committed offenses such as greenhouse burglaries, fights, or drug possession. In addition to enforcing sentences, the emphasis is on personal development and safe reintegration into society, for example in the Municipality of Westland. Unlike open youth care facilities, JJIs are heavily secured with fences, surveillance, and trained staff.

The Netherlands has nine JJIs, including Blokhuispoort in Leeuwarden and Toekomstfabriek in Veenhuizen. Groups consist of 8-12 youth with individual rooms including a bed, desk, and bathroom. The daily regime is strict: school, work, sports, and supervision.

Legal basis for JJIs

JJIs fall under youth criminal law, specifically Title IIa of the Criminal Code (arts. 77a-77zz Sr) and the Youth Act (art. 2.1 et seq.). The regime follows the Starter Scheme for Youth Institutions and Placement Conditions for Youth Institutions (PvJI). The Penitentiary Principles Act (Pbw) applies in limited form (art. 24), with youth protections under the Youth Act. The juvenile court judge of the Westland District Court decides via interim or final judgments. PIJ (art. 77c Sr) can last up to 7 years, with periodic reviews.

When does a Westland youth end up in a JJI?

Placement occurs in cases of:

• Youth detention (JD): Short custodial sentence up to 7 days per offense (art. 77g CCP).
• PIJ: Treatment for serious crimes (art. 77c Sr).
• ISD: For repeat offenders (art. 77q Sr).
• Pre-trial detention: During police investigations (art. 77ee CCP).

The public prosecutor submits the request to the Westland District Court; the judge decides. For less serious cases, HALT or youth detention may suffice, but repetition or risk leads to a JJI.

Daily life in a JJI

A standard day in a JJI:

1. 07:00 - Morning routine and breakfast.
2. 08:30 - Education or work until 15:00.
3. 15:00 - Sports, therapy, or recreation.
4. 17:00 - Dinner.
5. 20:00 - Evening program or isolation if necessary.
6. 21:30 - Lights out.

Tailored education is provided (VMBO to VWO level), vocational training, and therapy for aggression or addiction. Weekly family visits; leave possible after some time.

Example 1: Jamal from Naaldwijk

16-year-old Jamal from Westland breaks into greenhouse horticulture facilities. The Westland District Court imposes a 2-year PIJ measure. He attends classes, therapy for impulsivity, and plays basketball. After a year, supervised leave and successful reintegration in the Municipality of Westland.

Example 2: Pre-trial detention

A 15-year-old from 's-Gravenzande spends 3 weeks in JJI pre-trial detention on suspicion of robbery. Daily reports are sent to the examining magistrate.

Rights and obligations in a JJI

Rights:

• Education and care (art. 3 PvJI).
• Family visits and phone calls.
• Filing complaints with management or juvenile judge.
• Equal treatment and freedom of religion.

Obligations:

• Follow rules, no drugs or violence.
• Participate in therapy.
• Cooperate with mentors.

Violations lead to measures such as room isolation (max. 14 days, art. 28 Starter Scheme).

Frequently asked questions

Tips for Westland

• For parents: Stay involved, visit, and talk to mentors. Get free advice from Westland Legal Aid Desk.
• For youth: Cooperate with your program for faster reintegration in the Municipality of Westland.