Youth sector in the Netherlands: Challenges and Opportunities

Young people make up 27.6% of the Netherlands’ 17.8 million population, though, as in many industrialised countries, this proportion is gradually declining. Dutch youth policy focuses on preventive and specialised care, aiming to create a strong support system that helps children and young people thrive.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health among youth has worsened significantly, posing one of the sector’s biggest challenges. Youth organisations are now under greater pressure to identify mental health issues early and respond with effective, timely support.

To keep pace with these growing demands, the sector must embrace innovation and collaboration. The HealthyArts project [https://healthyart.aiij.org/] offers valuable tools to strengthen the capabilities of youth workers, helping them navigate today’s complex landscape and better support the young people they serve.