Lawyers are examining legal action on behalf of 25 former residents of Soria House in Spain against the Dutch family-home operators, the organisations that placed young people there and possibly the Dutch state. The former residents have described physical and psychological abuse, extreme punishment and unlawful restrictions on their freedom during placements that lasted over about 20 years. The lawyers are also considering whether local authorities and the government could be held civilly liable for failing to protect vulnerable young people.

The lawyers intend to report the former operators to the Dutch Public Prosecution Service, which will decide whether to open a criminal investigation or bring charges. Some former residents were initially told they could not report alleged offences in the Netherlands because they occurred in Spain; police later called that a misunderstanding and said they were preparing for possible new statements and the collection of related information. The former residents may seek compensation and want to meet the responsible minister, Mirjam Strong. The possible liability of the Dutch state remains under examination, with limitation periods potentially relevant to individual claims.