Frequent relocations harm youth in care system

The frequent relocation of minors in the youth care system can lead to significant issues, impacting their social lives and mental health, according to research commissioned by the Het Vergeten Kind foundation. When a court orders the removal of a minor from their home, they often do not end up in a suitable place right away.

A lack of appropriate assistance or issues at the residence frequently result in the youths being moved to different locations. Over one hundred youths participated in the study, with an average of six relocations after being placed out of home; some moved as many as twenty times during their youth care period.

“I had to move nine times,” states 21-year-old Serena. “It was often unexpected.

On the day itself, a group leader would inform me that I had to go to another place due to reasons like needing to free up space for someone else or a location closure.” The interviewed youths reported that relocations greatly affect mental health, causing anxiety, loneliness, and depression, with severe issues like suicidal thoughts also being reported. Social lives also suffer due to relocations, as distances or conditions at the new location can prevent them from seeing friends or pursuing hobbies, and may even temporarily disrupt schooling.

“Eventually, I stopped forming attachments,” continues Serena. “Building relationships takes time, but I knew there was always a high chance I’d have to move again, so I chose not to form bonds with other youths or the group leader.”

Source: NOS

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