Record number of minors placed in detention centres in 2025
A record 2,169 minors were placed in secure detention centres in 2025, a rise of 9 per cent compared to 2024. The surge in admissions is placing the system under growing strain, De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad report on Thursday.
"The figures for 2025 represent a 9 per cent increase compared to 2024, when there were 2,017 admissions, and a rise of no less than 20 per cent compared to 2023, when the figure stood at 1,796," said Flemish MP Toon Vandeurzen, who requested the figures from Flemish Justice minister Zuhal Demir.
"Never before has the number of admissions been so high. The system is under pressure. Young people who need help are not receiving it in time."
Lack of space
The alarm had already been raised this week by Brussels public prosecutor Julien Moinil. Ten minors placed by the juvenile court had to be released because no space was available in French-speaking youth institutions.
Vandeurzen warned that institutions in Flanders were facing similar capacity constraints. In 2023, 130 placements were cancelled due to a lack of space; in 2024, that figure rose to 141.
"Figures for the number of refusals in 2025 are not yet available, but judging by discussions with people in the field, I am certain the figure will be higher once again," he said.
#FlandersNewsService | Illustration © BELGA PHOTO ANTHONY DEHEZ
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