Judicial Youth Institution for Utrecht Youth
A judicial youth institution (JJI) is a secure facility for young people aged 12 to 23 from areas such as Utrecht who have been sentenced by the Utrecht District Court to a custodial sentence or placed in pre-trial detention. Managed by the Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI), these institutions combine enforcement of sentences with structure, education, therapy, and sports to promote resocialization within the Dutch youth criminal justice system.
What exactly is a judicial youth institution?
JJIs house young people from Utrecht who have committed offenses such as shoplifting in the city center, violent incidents in Kanaleneiland, or drug possession. In addition to enforcing sentences, the emphasis is on personal development and safe reintegration into society. 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; youth from Utrecht are sent there based on decisions by the Utrecht District Court. Living groups accommodate 8-12 young people, each with their own room including a bed, desk, and bathroom. The daily regime is strict: school, work, sports, and therapy follow a fixed schedule.
Legal basis for placement in a JJI
JJIs are governed by youth criminal law, particularly 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 for security purposes, supplemented by youth protection provisions from the Youth Act. The juvenile judge of the Utrecht District Court orders placement via interlocutory or final judgment; PIJ (art. 77c Sr) can last up to 7 years with periodic reviews.
When is a young person from Utrecht placed in a JJI?
Placement by the Utrecht District Court occurs in cases of:
- Youth detention (JD): Short custodial sentence up to 7 days per offense (art. 77g Sv).
- PIJ: Treatment for serious crimes (art. 77c Sr).
- ISD: For persistent offenders (art. 77q Sr).
- Pre-trial detention: During police investigation (art. 77ee Sv).
The public prosecutor submits the request; the judge reviews it. For minor offenses, a HALT disposal or youth detention may suffice, but for repeat offenses or high risk, the Utrecht District Court opts for 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.
Young people from Utrecht receive education (from VMBO to VWO level), vocational training, and therapies for issues such as aggression or addiction. Weekly family weekends; leave is gradually earned.
Example 1: Jamal from Utrecht
16-year-old Jamal from Overvecht commits burglaries in Utrecht apartment buildings. The Utrecht District Court imposes a 2-year PIJ order. In the JJI, he attends classes, impulse control therapy, and basketball. After a year, he progresses to supervised leave and successful reintegration.
Example 2: Pre-trial detention
A 15-year-old from Zuilen spends 3 weeks in JJI pre-trial detention for a robbery in the city. Daily reports are sent to the examining magistrate at the Utrecht District Court.
Rights and obligations in a JJI
Rights:
- Education and care (art. 3 PvJI).
- Family visits and phone calls.
- Filing complaints with the director or juvenile judge at the Utrecht District Court.
- No discrimination; freedom of religion.
Obligations:
- Comply with rules; no drugs or violence.
- Participate in therapy.
- Cooperate with mentors.
Violations result in measures such as room isolation (max. 14 days, art. 28 Starter Scheme).
| Measure | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Youth detention | 1-7 days | Warning |
| PIJ | 1-7 years | Treatment |
| ISD | 2 years | Persistent offenders |
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive visits in a JJI?
Yes, weekly for 1-2 hours with family/friends, under supervision with ID checks and searches. Contact Juridisch Loket Utrecht for details.
Disagree with placement?
Appeal within 7 days to the juvenile judge at the Utrecht District Court (art. 77gg Sv). Seek assistance from a lawyer or Juridisch Loket Utrecht.
How long will I stay?
From days (JD) to years (PIJ) with 6-monthly reviews. Good behavior can accelerate release.
Is education provided?
Yes, mandatory and tailored; diplomas remain valid for schools in Utrecht.
Tips for families in Utrecht
- For parents: Stay involved through visits and mentor contact. Seek free advice from Juridisch Loket Utrecht or appeal to the Utrecht District Court.
- For young people: Engage with your program, make use of education and therapy for a better future in Utrecht. Contact Utrecht Municipality for aftercare.