The PIJ Measure Explained for Young People in Utrecht

The PIJ Measure in Utrecht

The PIJ measure, or Placement in a Juvenile Institution, is a custodial measure under juvenile criminal law for young people in Utrecht aged 12 to 23 who commit serious offenses. Instead of punishment, the emphasis is on treatment and reintegration into society to prevent recidivism. The juvenile judge of the Utrecht District Court imposes this measure, with major consequences for the young person and their family in the region.

When Does the Utrecht District Court Impose PIJ?

Juvenile criminal law protects Utrecht society and supports the young person's development. The examining juvenile judge or juvenile judge of the Utrecht District Court tailors measures to the individual's circumstances. PIJ is the most stringent option and is only imposed when milder alternatives such as HALT, child protection, or a juvenile sentence prove insufficient. This applies to young people at risk of reoffending with serious crimes, often linked to mental health issues or addictions, specifically in the Utrecht context.

Legal Basis for the PIJ Measure

PIJ is governed by the Juvenile Act (Jw), Title 5, Articles 77a to 77bb. Article 77g Jw sets the requirements: an offense punishable by at least three years' imprisonment for adults, such as violent crimes, sexual offenses, or drug crimes, plus the need for intensive therapy and risk of recidivism. The juvenile judge of the Utrecht District Court relies on a pro justitia report from the Probation Service and expert advice. Following the 2019 amendment (PIJ Regime Adjustment Act), the duration depends more on behavior.

Imposition of PIJ by the Utrecht District Court

PIJ is imposed when:

• The young person is aged 12-18 (up to 23 upon extension);
• There is a serious offense, such as murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, rape, or large-scale drug trafficking in Utrecht;
• Milder measures have failed;
• Institutional therapy is essential for safe reintegration.

PIJ protects society without a punitive character. Unlike ISD for adults, the focus remains educational and development-oriented.

Procedure at the Utrecht District Court

1. Arrest and Initial Hearing: After an incident in Utrecht, before the examining juvenile judge.
2. Juvenile Judge Hearing: Within two weeks; the prosecutor demands PIJ.
3. Investigation: Trial placement (max. two weeks) and local reports.
4. Decision: Ruling within four weeks; appeal to the Court of Appeal.

Duration and Extension of PIJ

Standard: 2 years, with up to 1 year conditional in the final phase. Extension:

• 1 year (standard);
• 2 years for serious misconduct.

After two years, the judge decides based on advice from the PIJ Service Point. It ends when there is no longer a risk; on average 2.5-3 years for cases in Utrecht.

Comparison of PIJ Duration with Other Measures

Rights and Obligations During PIJ

Rights:

• Right to a lawyer via the court; free advice from Utrecht Legal Aid Office;
• Contact with family (visits, calls);
• Education/work in the institution;
• Medical care with consent;
• Complaints to the Juvenile Judge at Utrecht District Court.

Obligations:

• Engage actively in treatment;
• Comply with institutional rules;
• No prohibited substances;
• Full participation in therapy.

Violations may lead to isolation or extension.

Utrecht Case Examples

Example 1: 16-year-old from Utrecht commits robbery in the city center. After reoffending despite youth support: PIJ for two years in a secure setting with therapy. Conditional release after 18 months.

Example 2: 17-year-old girl from Kanaleneiland with trauma commits aggravated assault. PIJ for two years, extended by one year; success through Utrecht foster care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Families in Utrecht

• Immediate Help: Call Utrecht Legal Aid Office for free juvenile criminal law advice or a local lawyer.
• Municipality of Utrecht: Request youth support via the municipality for prevention.
• Stay Involved: Support during PIJ for better reintegration.