Cabinet says too many children seek psychological help

Foreign Minister Van Ooijen wants fewer young people to get professional help with their mental health problems. “Limitless growth” cannot be organized and is not affordable. “And we shouldn’t want that.”

He is concerned about the growing number of young people seeking youth welfare. He says that this number has increased from 1 in 27 to 1 in 7 in 25 years: “We cannot allow an entire generation with professional help,” says the Foreign Minister.

It emphasizes that a child should be ready to help when they need it. According to him, good care is a top priority for children and families with the most complex problems. However, according to Van Ooijen, a solution is now sought very often by the government and youth agencies. “We should search more together,” she thinks.

“Even if everything seems sunny on social media, sometimes everyone is insecure”

The Secretary of State points to massive performance pressure where making a mistake equals failure. He admits that as a parent, he has high expectations and has a hard time accepting “his child being left behind”. But he doubts whether it is necessary to answer all questions about the pressure to perform. “After all, questions and doubts are part of growing up and raising children. Even if everything seems sunny socially, we have to accept that everyone is insecure and gloomy at times.”

Van Ooijen is also concerned about self-diagnosis via the latest trend, TikTok. “So everyone instantly has a tag and youth care question. “This is unhealthy for children, for families, for society,” he said.

In addition to parents, the secretary of state sees a role for sports and music clubs, churches, and community and touchpoints: “They offer important social touchpoints for development and support.”

reform youth care

The need to say no to parents and children seeking youth benefits is one of the topics on the table in the youth welfare reform debate.

In 2021, a Committee of Wise Men appointed by the Cabinet recommended narrowing the scope of the Youth Act, explaining when help is truly needed and when problems are a part of normal life.

The Youth Law, which came into force in 2015 when municipalities became responsible for youth care, states that municipalities have an obligation to provide youth care and support, for example, to young people with a disability, illness, disability or growth problems.

According to a study published in December last year by the Verwey-Jonker Institute, requests for help have hardly been denied since then.

From April 25, the Secretary of State wants to hold talks with parents and officials on limiting professional assistance.

Source: NOS

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