Judicial Youth Institution
A judicial youth institution (JJI) is a secure facility for young people aged 12 to 23 from areas such as Zoetermeer who have been sentenced by the Zoetermeer District Court to a custodial sentence or are held in pre-trial detention. These DJI facilities combine sentence enforcement with structure, education, therapy, and sports to promote resocialization, in keeping with Dutch juvenile criminal law.
What exactly is a judicial youth institution?
In a judicial youth institution, young people from Zoetermeer and surrounding areas who have committed offenses—such as shoplifting in the city center, violent incidents, or drug possession—are held. The focus is on personal development and safe reintegration alongside punishment. Unlike open youth care facilities, JJIs are heavily secured with fences, surveillance, and trained staff.
The Netherlands has nine JJIs, including Blokhuispoort in Leeuwarden, Toekomstfabriek in Veenhuizen, and Praktijkhuis De Hulst in Zutphen. Young people from Zoetermeer are placed there. Living groups house 8-12 residents with private rooms including a bed, desk, and bathroom. The daily regime is strict: school, work, sports, and therapy on a fixed schedule.
Legal basis for JJIs
Judicial youth institutions fall under juvenile criminal law, specifically Title IIa of the Criminal Code (arts. 77a-77zz Sr) and the Youth Act (art. 2.1 et seq.). The Admission Scheme for Juvenile Institutions and Placement Conditions for Juvenile Institutions (PvJI) govern placement and regime. The Penitentiary Principles Act (Pbw) applies in limited form (art. 24), with youth protections under the Youth Custody Act. The juvenile judge of the Zoetermeer District Court decides via interim or final judgments. PIJ (art. 77c Sr) can last up to 7 years, with periodic reviews.
When is placement in a JJI considered for young people from Zoetermeer?
Placement occurs in cases of:
- Juvenile detention (JD): Short custodial sentence up to 7 days per offense (art. 77g CCP).
- PIJ: Treatment measure for serious offenses (art. 77c Sr).
- ISD: For persistent offenders (art. 77q Sr).
- Pre-trial detention: During police investigation (art. 77ee CCP).
The public prosecutor submits the request to the Zoetermeer District Court; the judge decides. For minor offenses, HALT or juvenile detention may suffice, but repetition or risk leads to a JJI.
Daily life in a JJI
A standard day proceeds as follows:
- 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 - Evening program or isolation if necessary.
- 21:30 - Lights out.
Education is provided at all levels (VMBO through VWO), plus vocational training and therapy for aggression or addiction. Weekly family visits; leave possible later on.
Case example 1: Jamal from Zoetermeer
16-year-old Jamal from Zoetermeer breaks into local shops. The Zoetermeer District Court imposes a 2-year PIJ order. He attends classes, therapy for impulsivity, and plays basketball. After a year, supervised leave and successful reintegration.
Case example 2: Pre-trial detention in Zoetermeer
A 15-year-old from the Seghwaert neighborhood spends 3 weeks in JJI pre-trial detention on suspicion of robbery. Daily reports go to the examining magistrate.
Rights and obligations in a JJI
Rights:
- Education and care (art. 3 PvJI).
- Family visits and phone calls.
- File complaints with management or juvenile judge; assistance via Zoetermeer Legal Aid Office.
- Equal treatment and freedom of religion.
Obligations:
- Follow rules, no drugs/violence.
- Participate in therapy.
- Cooperate with mentors.
Violations lead to measures such as room isolation (max. 14 days, art. 28 Admission Scheme).
| Measure | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile detention | 1-7 days | Deterrent effect |
| PIJ | 1-7 years | Treatment |
| ISD | 2 years | Persistent offenders |
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive visits in a JJI?
Yes, weekly 1-2 hours with family/friends under supervision. ID and checks required. Contact Zoetermeer Legal Aid Office for details.
Disagree with placement?
Appeal within 7 days to juvenile judge at Zoetermeer District Court (art. 77gg CCP). Get help from a lawyer or follow DJI complaints procedure.
How long will I stay in a JJI?
From days (JD) to years (PIJ) with 6-monthly reviews. Good behavior speeds up release.
Is education mandatory?
Yes, tailored to needs; diplomas remain valid for Municipality of Zoetermeer schools.
Tips for Zoetermeer
- For parents: Stay involved, visit often, and talk to the mentor. Seek free advice from Zoetermeer Legal Aid Office or appeal to Zoetermeer District Court.
- For young people: Engage with your program for quicker leave and a better future in Zoetermeer.