Lelystad alderman Herma Hofmeijer said the Youth Lelystad (JEL) organisation was functioning well again after major problems with long waiting times and a lack of necessary care. The municipality removed director Tanja Boeije in March over what it described as serious abuses, after which work at JEL stopped; Boeije later resigned. An interim director worked to restore operations, process files and reduce delays, Hofmeijer said. Most applications are now being handled on time, although the organisation’s culture still needs attention.

Hofmeijer, who began as alderman three months ago, said her immediate priorities were to restore calm and trust. The municipality is considering how JEL’s role as the gateway to youth care should be shaped in the future, but she said it was too early to decide whether to continue with the organisation. She also said attention was needed for families affected by the earlier problems and that changes were expected in the coming months.