Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Juvenile law in the Netherlands covers two main areas. First, youth protection and family law, which deals with child safety, parenting and guardianship, supervision orders, and placements out of home. Second, juvenile criminal law, which governs how the police, prosecutors, and courts handle criminal behavior by minors. Residents of Diever fall under national Dutch law, with local services organized by the Municipality of Westerveld in Drenthe and cases usually heard by the District Court of the Northern Netherlands, location Assen.
Dutch juvenile justice aims to be educational and developmental. The focus is on helping young people change course and safeguarding their well-being while also protecting the community. Proceedings involving minors are more protective of privacy, services are often provided locally, and sanctions are tailored to age and maturity.
You may need a juvenile law lawyer in several common situations. If a child is questioned by police, even for a first-time or seemingly minor offense, a lawyer safeguards their rights from the start and can advise on diversion options such as Halt. If a child is arrested, charged, or summoned to the juvenile court, a lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor, challenge evidence, and argue for proportional, education-focused outcomes.
In family and child-protection matters, a lawyer can help when the Council for Child Protection investigates, when a supervision order or removal from home is requested, or when parental authority or contact arrangements are at stake. A lawyer can also assist with school attendance and truancy procedures, bullying or online behavior issues that overlap with criminal law, and with appeals against decisions by child-protection agencies.
Early legal advice helps families understand the process, timelines, and options. In many juvenile matters, especially in criminal cases, legal aid for minors is arranged and often at low or no cost to the family.
National framework. Juvenile law is governed by national legislation, including Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code for parental authority and child protection, the Youth Act for youth care and youth protection services, the Dutch Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure for juvenile criminal law, and the Compulsory Education Act for school attendance. These laws apply in Diever and across the Netherlands.
Ages and responsibility. Children under 12 cannot be prosecuted. Juvenile criminal law applies primarily to ages 12 through 17. Under adolescent criminal law, the court can apply juvenile or adult law to youths aged 16 through 22 depending on development and the circumstances.
Police and prosecution. The police unit for Diever is the North Netherlands unit. Prosecutions are handled by the Public Prosecution Service for the Northern Netherlands. Minors have a right to a lawyer before and during police questioning. Parents or guardians are notified and may be permitted to attend questioning, subject to investigative needs.
Court and privacy. Cases from Diever are typically heard at the District Court of the Northern Netherlands, location Assen. Hearings involving minors are not public. Publications and media use initials to protect identity.
Sanctions and measures. Juvenile sanctions can include a warning, a Halt referral, community service, training or behavioral programs, fines, suspended measures with conditions, and in serious cases juvenile detention. For grave offenses and ongoing high risk, the court may impose the PIJ measure, which is a placement in a youth institution focused on treatment and safety. Education and reintegration are central principles.
Diversion. Halt is a diversion program for certain first-time minor offenses such as shoplifting or vandalism. Successful completion typically avoids a criminal record for the incident.
Child protection. When a child grows up in unsafe conditions, the juvenile judge can order a supervision order with a certified institution providing guidance, and if necessary an out-of-home placement. Emergency orders are possible in crisis situations. The Council for Child Protection investigates and advises the court. Youth probation supervises court-imposed conditions in criminal cases.
Municipal role. Under the Youth Act, the Municipality of Westerveld organizes access to youth help, including mental health care, parenting support, and referrals to certified institutions. Veilig Thuis Drenthe receives and assesses reports of domestic violence and child abuse. The municipal school attendance officer handles truancy and works with schools and families.
Civil liability. Parents are civilly liable for damage caused by children under 14. For ages 14 and 15, liability is primarily on the child with a presumption against parents that may be rebutted. From 16, the young person is generally liable personally.
Criminal records and VOG. Juvenile cases are recorded in the judicial documentation system with shorter retention periods than for adults. Whether an entry affects a Certificate of Conduct VOG depends on the offense, time passed, and the job or purpose. Assessments are case specific.
Children under 12 cannot be prosecuted. From age 12 through 17, juvenile criminal law applies by default. For youths aged 16 through 22, the court may apply adolescent criminal law, choosing juvenile or adult rules depending on development and the case.
The police must inform a parent or guardian and arrange access to a lawyer. Minors have the right to consult a lawyer and to have a lawyer present during questioning. After initial investigation, the prosecutor decides on release, a Halt referral, or further action such as a summons to appear before the juvenile judge.
Parents or guardians must be informed and may often attend, but the key protection is the presence of a lawyer. In some situations the police may limit parental attendance for investigative reasons or safety, while ensuring the minor has legal assistance.
Halt is a diversion program for certain first-time minor offenses. The youth completes tasks such as an apology, learning assignments, or community work. If completed successfully, the case is not sent to the prosecutor and no criminal conviction is registered for that incident.
A supervision order places the child under the guidance of a certified institution, while the child usually remains at home. The goal is to reduce risk and improve care and parenting. It is ordered by the juvenile judge for a limited time, often up to one year, and can be extended if needed.
An out-of-home placement allows a child to live temporarily in foster care, a family home, or a youth care facility when safety or development is at serious risk at home. It requires a court order, except in emergencies where a rapid order can be granted by the judge. The measure is reviewed regularly.
Yes, the court can apply adult criminal law to 16 or 17-year-olds in exceptional cases, for example in very serious crimes or when the youth is deemed sufficiently mature. Conversely, young adults up to 22 may be sentenced under juvenile law when developmentally appropriate.
It can, depending on the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and the purpose of the VOG. Juvenile entries have shorter retention and the assessment is tailored to the specific job or permit. A legal professional can discuss the likely impact for your situation.
Juvenile entries in judicial documentation have shorter retention periods than adult entries. Exact periods vary by offense category and sanctions imposed. After the retention period, the record is no longer considered in standard screenings. For precise timelines, consult a lawyer or the relevant government service.
The Compulsory Education Act requires attendance. The municipal school attendance officer in Westerveld will contact the family and the school to address the issues early. Support can be provided through youth help. Persistent truancy can lead to a report to the prosecutor or to child protection involvement, so early cooperation and advice from a lawyer can be helpful.
District Court of the Northern Netherlands, location Assen - handles juvenile criminal cases and child protection matters for residents of Diever.
Public Prosecution Service Northern Netherlands - prosecutes juvenile criminal cases and may offer diversion such as Halt.
Police North Netherlands Unit - local policing, youth questioning, and referrals to Halt.
Municipality of Westerveld - access point for youth help under the Youth Act, local youth teams, and the school attendance officer.
Veilig Thuis Drenthe - advice and reporting center for domestic violence and child abuse. National phone 0800-2000 for advice or to report concerns.
Council for Child Protection Raad voor de Kinderbescherming - investigates child safety concerns and advises the court on supervision and placement.
Certified youth protection and probation institutions, such as Jeugdbescherming Noord, William Schrikker Jeugdbescherming en Jeugdreclassering, and Leger des Heils Jeugdbescherming en Reclassering - carry out supervision orders and youth probation.
Halt - diversion program for minor first-time offenses by youths.
Legal Aid Board Raad voor Rechtsbijstand - arranges financed legal assistance, including for minors in criminal cases.
Slachtofferhulp Nederland - support for victims and families, including minors affected by crime.
Act quickly. If the police contact your family or your child is invited for questioning, ask for a youth law lawyer immediately and do not let your child give a statement before consulting them. For emergencies, call 112. For child safety concerns, you can contact Veilig Thuis Drenthe for advice.
Collect information. Write a short timeline, keep letters and emails from police, the court, school, or youth services, and note names of officials you speak with. This helps your lawyer assess the case and deadlines.
Ask about legal aid. In juvenile criminal matters a lawyer is typically appointed and covered by legal aid. In child-protection and family cases, financed legal assistance is often available based on income and case type. Ask your lawyer or the Legal Aid Board about eligibility.
Engage with local services. Contact the Municipality of Westerveld youth team for voluntary support, especially if there are behavioral, school, or family stress issues. Early help can prevent escalation and shows the court you are proactive.
Prepare for hearings. Your lawyer will explain the process, represent your child or you as a parent, and request appropriate measures. Hearings are private. Be on time, bring identification, and follow conditions set by the court or youth probation.
Consider solutions that fit your family. Programs like Halt, restorative meetings, training orders, or family group conferencing can resolve issues constructively. Discuss options with your lawyer.
Follow up and review. Keep appointments, meet deadlines, and stay in touch with your lawyer and assigned caseworkers. If you disagree with a decision, ask promptly about objection, appeal, or review options and the relevant time limits.
