Dutch government apologizes to victims of closed child protection system; closures delayed to 2030

The Dutch government formally apologized on August 29 to tens of thousands of children placed in closed psychiatric institutions over three decades, acknowledging systemic harm. However, the planned closure of all such centers is not scheduled until 2030, leaving a prolonged transition period. The apology marks a formal state acknowledgment, but the extended timeline raises questions about the pace of reform and ongoing risks to current residents.