This issue contains 4 sections.

Child protection

In cases in which the problems in a family are so great as to place the child’s development in danger, for instance if parents neglect or ill-treat their child, or subject him or her to sexual abuse, child protection agencies may intervene.

The government is working to improve child protection, for instance by ensuring that cases can be dealt with more quickly. The Dutch child protection system consists of the Youth Care Office, the Child Protection Board and the courts. They help families (and sometimes force families to accept help) when it becomes clear that parents cannot take care of their children properly.