Judicial Youth Institution for Youth from Tilburg
A judicial youth institution (JJI) is a secure facility for young people aged 12 to 23 from areas such as Tilburg, who have been sentenced by the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Breda to a custodial penalty or are held in pre-trial detention. These DJI facilities combine punishment, structure, and resocialization through education, therapy, and sports, playing a vital role in youth criminal justice for young people from Tilburg.
What exactly is a judicial youth institution?
JJIs house young people from Tilburg and surrounding areas who have committed offenses such as shoplifting in the city center, fights, or drug possession. In addition to enforcing sentences, the emphasis is on personal development and safe reintegration into society. Unlike open youth care facilities, JJIs are heavily secured with fences, cameras, and trained staff.
The Netherlands has nine JJIs, including locations like Blokhuispoort in Leeuwarden or the Toekomstfabriek in Veenhuizen. Youth from Tilburg are typically placed in a suitable JJI. Living groups accommodate 8 to 12 young people in rooms with basic amenities. The daily regime is strict: school, work, sports, and therapy follow a fixed schedule.
Legal framework for JJI placement from Tilburg
JJIs fall under youth criminal law, particularly Title IIa of the Criminal Code (arts. 77a-77zz Sr) and the Youth Act (art. 2.1 et seq.). The Admission Scheme for Youth Institutions and Placement Conditions for Youth Institutions (PvJI) govern placement and regime. The Penitentiary Principles Act (Pbw) applies in limited form for security purposes, with youth protections under the Youth Act.
The juvenile judge at the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Breda decides on placement through a pro forma or final judgment. For PIJ (art. 77c Sr), this can last up to 7 years, with periodic reviews. Parents from Tilburg can seek free advice from the Legal Aid Office Tilburg.
When does a young person from Tilburg enter a JJI?
Placement occurs in cases of:
- Youth detention (JD): Short sentence up to 7 days (art. 77g Sv).
- PIJ: Treatment for serious offenses (art. 77c Sr).
- ISD: For persistent offenders (art. 77q Sr).
- Pre-trial detention: During investigation (art. 77ee Sv).
The public prosecutor submits the request to the Breda District Court. For less serious cases, HALT or youth detention may suffice, but repetition or risk leads to JJI placement.
Daily life in a JJI for youth from Tilburg
A standard day:
- 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 - Activities or isolation if necessary.
- 21:30 - Lights out.
Education matches the individual's level (VMBO-VWO), plus vocational training and therapy for aggression or addiction. Weekly family contact; later, escorted leave may be possible. The Municipality of Tilburg provides aftercare support.
Example 1: Jamal from Tilburg
16-year-old Jamal from a Tilburg neighborhood committed multiple burglaries. The Breda District Court imposes a 2-year PIJ order. In the JJI, he attends classes, impulse control therapy, and basketball. After a year, he transitions successfully back to Tilburg with supervised leave.
Example 2: Pre-trial detention
A 15-year-old from Tilburg is suspected of robbery. She spends 3 weeks in a JJI pre-trial detention unit, with daily reports to the examining magistrate.
Rights and obligations in a JJI
Rights:
- Education and care (art. 3 PvJI).
- Family visits and phone calls.
- Complaints to management or juvenile judge.
- No discrimination; freedom of religion.
Obligations:
- Comply with regime; no drugs/violence.
- Participate in therapy.
- Cooperate with mentors.
Violations result in sanctions such as room confinement (max. 14 days, art. 28 Admission Scheme).
| Measure | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Youth detention | 1-7 days | Deterrent effect |
| PIJ | 1-7 years | Treatment |
| ISD | 2 years | Persistent offenders |
Frequently asked questions for Tilburg
Can family visit a JJI?
Yes, weekly for 1-2 hours under supervision. ID and search required. Contact the Legal Aid Office Tilburg for details.
Disagree with placement?
Appeal within 7 days to the juvenile judge (art. 77gg Sv). Get help from a lawyer via the Legal Aid Office Tilburg or DJI complaints procedure.
How long does a JJI stay last?
From days (JD) to years (PIJ), with reviews every 6 months. Good behavior accelerates release.
Is education mandatory?
Yes, tailored to the individual; diplomas remain valid for Tilburg schools.
Tips for parents and youth from Tilburg
- For parents: Stay involved through visits and mentor contact. Seek help from the Legal Aid Office Tilburg or District Court Breda for appeals.
- For youth: Engage in treatment, follow rules, and make the most of education for a better future in Tilburg.