Youth policy
For the first time, the Netherlands possesses a Ministry for Youth and Families. In February 2007, André Rouvoet was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Youth and Families in the fourth Balkenende government.
Why a new ministry? After all, the vast majority of young people and families in the Netherlands are doing well. According to international comparative surveys, Dutch children are rated among the happiest in the world. But at the same time, there are some worrying trends: growing reports of child abuse, children with behavioural problems, the unhealthy lifestyle of some youngsters, the number of children who neither attend school nor work, and the increase in antisocial behaviour among the young.
The above problems must be tackled through a concerted effort: the ministries in The Hague, the municipal and provincial authorities, youth care institutions, schools and other stakeholders will therefore need to work together more closely.
Within the Ministry, four departments cooperate:
- Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
- Ministry of Justice
- Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
- Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
You can find information about the ministry on its own website: jeugdengezin.nl 
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