Judicial Youth Institution for Amsterdam Youth
A judicial youth institution (JJI) is a secure facility for young people aged 12 to 23 from Amsterdam and surrounding areas, who have been sentenced by the Amsterdam District Court to a custodial measure or are held in pre-trial detention. Managed by the Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI), these institutions combine enforcement of sentences with structure, education, therapy, and sports to promote resocialization within the Dutch youth justice system.
What exactly is a judicial youth institution?
JJIs house young people from Amsterdam who have committed offenses, such as burglaries in the Jordaan, street robberies in the Pijp, or drug-related violations. In addition to sentence enforcement, the focus is on personal development and safe reintegration into Amsterdam society. Unlike open youth care facilities, JJIs are heavily secured with fences, surveillance, and trained staff.
The Netherlands has nine JJIs, including Blokhuispoort in Leeuwarden and Toekomstfabriek in Veenhuizen, where many young people from Amsterdam are placed. Living groups accommodate 8 to 12 residents, each with their own room including a bed, desk, and bathroom. The daily regime is strict: education, work, sports, and treatments form the core.
Legal basis for JJIs
JJIs are anchored in youth criminal law, particularly Title IIa of the Dutch Criminal Code (arts. 77a-77zz Sr) and the Youth Act (art. 2.1 et seq.). Placement and regimes follow the Placement Framework for Youth Institutions and the Placement Conditions for Youth Institutions (PvJI). The Penitentiary Principles Act (Pbw) governs order (art. 24 Pbw), supplemented by youth protection provisions from the Youth Act.
The juvenile judge of the Amsterdam District Court orders placement via an interim or final judgment. For PIJ (Placement in an Institution for Juveniles, art. 77c Sr), this can last up to 7 years, with periodic reviews.
When does a young person from Amsterdam enter a JJI?
Placement occurs in cases of:
- Youth detention (JD): Short custodial sentence up to 7 days per offense (art. 77g Sv).
- PIJ: Treatment measure for serious offenses (art. 77c Sr).
- ISD: For persistent offenders (art. 77q Sr).
- Pre-trial detention: During police investigation (art. 77ee Sv).
The public prosecutor submits the request to the Amsterdam District Court; for minor cases, a Halt procedure or warning suffices, but repetition or risk leads to a JJI.
Daily life in a JJI
A standard day looks like this:
- 07:00 - Morning routine and breakfast.
- 08:30 - Education or work until 15:00.
- 15:00 - Sports, therapy, or recreation.
- 17:00 - Dinner.
- 20:00 - Evening program or isolation if necessary.
- 21:30 - Lights out.
Education is offered at all levels (VMBO to VWO), plus vocational training and therapies for issues like aggression or addiction. Weekly family visits; leave is earned progressively.
Example 1: Jamal from Amsterdam-West
16-year-old Jamal from West commits burglaries in shops. The Amsterdam District Court imposes 2 years PIJ. In the JJI, he attends classes, impulse control therapy, and basketball. After a year, he transitions to supervised leave and returns to Amsterdam.
Example 2: Pre-trial detention
A 15-year-old from Oost suspected of robbery spends 3 weeks in a JJI youth wing. Daily updates are sent to the investigating judge.
Rights and obligations in a JJI
Rights:
- Education and care (art. 3 PvJI).
- Family visits and phone calls.
- Complaints to management or juvenile judge.
- Equal treatment and freedom of religion.
Obligations:
- Follow rules, no drugs/violence.
- Participate in programs.
- Cooperate with mentors.
Violations result in measures such as room confinement (max. 14 days, art. 28 Placement Framework).
| Measure | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Youth detention | 1-7 days | Deterrent effect |
| PIJ | 1-7 years | Treatment |
| ISD | 2 years | Persistent offenders |
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive visits in a JJI?
Yes, weekly 1-2 hours with family/friends, supervised. ID and checks required. Post-COVID, standard regime applies.
Disagree with placement?
Object within 7 days to the juvenile judge (art. 77gg Sv). Contact a lawyer or the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office for free advice.
How long do you stay?
Varies: JD for days, PIJ for years with 6-month reviews. Good behavior accelerates release.
Is education available?
Yes, mandatory and tailored. Diplomas valid for Amsterdam schools.
Tips for Amsterdammers
- For parents: Stay involved through visits and mentor contact. Seek help from Amsterdam Legal Aid Office or Municipality of Amsterdam for support.
- For young people: Cooperate with your program for faster return to the city. Take therapy and education seriously.