General overview
In the Netherlands, the term youth is applied to children and young people from 0 up to the age of 24. Approximately one-third of the Dutch population falls into this category, and one in five young people have an ethnic background. As in most other industrialized countries, the proportion of youth in the total population is decreasing.
The vast majority of young people (85%) present no cause for concern: their average level of education is rising, they are healthy and happy, and they get on well with their parents.
However, the remaining 15% do need some additional support. A small number of young people (5%) may be said to have serious social and/or psychological problems for which they may use child and youth care services. These services include ambulant care, day care, residential care and foster care, both in youth protection and youth mental health care.
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