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Youth Participation in the Netherlands: Being Heard and Seen
By Lily Rijnberg
Photo: Stichting Kinderperspectief
Youth participation is not just about listening to young people, but about actively involving them in decisions that affect their lives. My name is Lily Rijnberg, and for over five years I’ve been committed to participation in youth care, focusing on topics such as the 18-/18+ transition, safety and compassionate youth care.
During my own time in the youth care system, I quickly realized I wanted to give something back. That’s why I started with the youth council at Jarabee, which is affiliated with the Youth Welfare Forum (JeugdWelzijnsBeraad). Since then, I’ve been actively involved in several initiatives and organizations, including the Youth Welfare Forum and Generation YouthCare. In this article, I share my experiences and insights into youth councils and the impact we make with councils in care.
Youth Councils in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, youth councils within care institutions play a key role in improving youth care. Through direct involvement, they ensure that young people’s voices are heard and taken seriously during decision-making. This is crucial not only for the young people themselves but also for organizations and policymakers, who gain better insight into what’s really going on and what’s needed.
A youth council represents the entire organization. It works as follows: each group within the care institution holds its own house meeting, after which at least one representative per group joins the youth council. The council meets approximately every six weeks at one of the locations of the care organization. These meetings are structured similarly to those in the professional world—there’s an agenda, and topics are discussed systematically.
Personal Growth and Development
Being part of a youth council has had a major impact on me personally. When I first arrived in the residential group, I was shy and didn’t feel like my voice truly mattered. Through my involvement with the youth council, I discovered that my opinion is valuable and that my experiences can help bring about real improvements.
It helped me develop practical skills such as debating, presenting, and collaborating. But more than anything, I learned that youth participation should be a vital part of policy development.
Key Topics in Youth Councils
Youth councils within care institutions address a wide variety of topics. Young people provide both solicited and unsolicited feedback on issues that directly affect their environment. These may include major and structural topics such as:
• Improvements in youth and foster care
• Mental health and well-being of young people
• Participation and influence in policymaking
In addition, everyday matters also play a key role— such as safety in the living environment or the design of residential spaces. A youth council ensures that young people’s voices not only get heard but actually lead to tangible change and improvement.
The Role of a Youth Council Coach
A youth council coach is a professional from the organization— such as an outreach worker—who plays a crucial role in supporting and guiding young people in their participation. This person helps organize meetings, structure ideas, and offers a listening ear when needed. A good coach encourages young people to speak up and supports them throughout the process.
The Youth Welfare Forum: By and For Young People
The Youth Welfare Forum (JeugdWelzijnsBeraad – JWB) is a national organization that connects youth councils across the Netherlands. Four times a year, the JWB organizes gatherings where young people share experiences and give input on key topics in youth care. What makes JWB unique is that it has both a youth board and an adult board, creating equal collaboration. I am proud to be part of the youth board, where I work to amplify the voices of young people in youth care.
Generation YouthCare: Alone You Go Fast, Together You Go Far
Generation YouthCare is a collaboration between five influential initiatives: the Youth Welfare Forum (JWB), Expex, JongWijs, Youth Panel De Derde Kamer, and SAMAH. Together, we focus on key priorities such as youth participation, compassionate youth care, and the 18-/18+ transition. This collaboration strengthens the position of young people in the youth care system and ensures their voices have real influence on policy and implementation.
My Dream for Youth Care in the Netherlands
I dream of a youth care system in the Netherlands that puts young people first in every aspect—not just seen as case files. I want a youth care system that is based on compassion, customized support, and meaningful participation. Policymakers and professionals should engage in continuous dialogue with young people, so that decisions reflect their actual needs and lived experiences. I also hope for greater attention to the transition into adulthood and the issues surrounding the 18-/18+ gap—ensuring that no young person is left behind.
Youth participation is not a luxury—it’s a fundamental right. When young people are genuinely heard and taken seriously, we can build a youth care system that better meets their needs and expectations. Let’s make sure young people don’t just get a seat at the table, but also a real say in shaping their future.
Did you know that...
… the JWB (umbrella organization for youth councils of care providers) started in 1980! It is a platform for youth councils in youth care, dedicated to sharing experiences, addressing challenges, and creating plans to improve youth care in the Netherlands. Each year, regional gatherings and special sessions for coaches to enhance their roles are organized. The annual national day brings together youth councils, politicians, and policymakers to discuss key issues and share insights. By meeting in different locations, we keep our discussions fresh and impactful, working together to drive change in the youth care system.
