Two studies into Youth Lelystad (JEL) and cooperation within the youth-care system found that JEL’s strict focus on cost control and fixed procedures sometimes worsened family problems, according to the findings presented to Lelystad’s municipal committee. Parents were in some cases referred to general facilities or asked to withdraw their request for help, while families whose files were closed could have difficulty re-establishing contact. The researchers also found that the municipality, JEL and other organisations had struggled to cooperate, with unclear agreements, insufficient municipal direction and growing distrust.

The researchers recommended stronger municipal direction, greater attention to parents’ signals, improved relations with partner organisations and a closer assessment of youth-care outcomes. Municipal councillors had not received the full studies before the meeting; a proposal for a separate session to read and discuss them was adopted. A new meeting on the studies is scheduled for December.