Netherlands Eyes Forced Treatment for At-Risk Individuals

The Dutch cabinet is proposing a new law to allow judges to force at-risk individuals into psychiatric treatment alongside a criminal sentence.

Why it matters: The measure aims to prevent individuals who show confused or dangerous behavior from falling through the cracks between the justice and health care systems after serving time.

Details: The proposed plan would create a new category of compulsory care for a small group that currently fits no existing program.

• It targets people who pose a high safety risk but for whom heavy-duty forensic treatment is considered too severe.
• Forced treatment could be imposed by a judge for a maximum of two years.
• The goal is to transition individuals into regular mental health or disability care after their treatment.

The big picture: The proposal comes as the Netherlands' psychiatric care system is under severe strain, with a recent inspection report concluding that care for this population is substandard.

This systemic failure has led to an increase in both the number and severity of incidents involving at-risk individuals.

What's next: The draft law is expected to be ready next year, after which it must be approved by both houses of the Dutch parliament to pass.