# Netherlands closed youth care policy changes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-closed-youth-care-policy-changes > Updated: 2026-10-16T09:57:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. The Netherlands is undergoing a shift in its approach to closed youth care, characterized by legislative reversals and a reduction in facility capacity. In September 2026, Minister Mirjam Sterk scrapped a proposed law that would have permitted the nighttime confinement of high-risk adolescents in closed care facilities. Sterk determined the measure was “not proportional” and expressed concerns regarding a “slippery slope” where confinement might become a normalized practice. She indicated a preference for finding alternative methods to manage complex behaviors. This legislative decision aligns with a broader strategic trend to reach near-zero closed placements by 2030. Data from the Dutch Healthcare Authority shows that as of July 2026, the capacity for closed youth care had decreased by 12% compared to the previous year, with the number of youths placed in such facilities dropping by 23%. While there is a visible move toward smaller-scale care settings, experts have raised concerns regarding the availability of suitable alternatives for vulnerable children with complex needs. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-16: Netherlands reduces closed youth care capacity The capacity for closed youth care in the Netherlands has decreased by 12% to 467 places, following a plan to reach near-zero placements by 2030, amid calls for better alternative care options. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-reduces-closed-youth-care-capacity ### 2026-09-25: Netherlands rejects law for nighttime confinement of youth in care Dutch Minister Mirjam Sterk has rejected a proposal to allow the nighttime confinement of high-risk youth in closed care facilities, citing concerns over proportionality and the risk of normalizing the practice 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-rejects-law-for-nighttime-confinement-of-youth-in-care --- Cite as: Netherlands closed youth care policy changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-closed-youth-care-policy-changes