THE HAGUE – Zsolt Szabó, State Secretary for Kingdom Relations (PVV), announced during a debate in the Dutch House of Representatives that discussions are underway regarding a forensic care program tailored to the Caribbean territories of the Kingdom.
The program, focused on providing forensic care facilities, differs from traditional TBS (psychiatric treatment for offenders) clinics. Currently, the proposal is awaiting approval from the Judicial Four-Party Consultation (JVO). Once approved, implementation will commence.
The initiative came under scrutiny during the debate when MP Raoul White (GroenLinks-PvdA) inquired about its progress. White sought clarity on whether the program would address the urgent need for mental health and rehabilitation services in the justice systems of the islands.
Szabó emphasized that the program's development actively involves input from the islands to ensure it aligns with their unique needs. "The initiative is designed to provide support that fits the specific judicial context of the Caribbean territories," Szabó explained.
The forensic care program aims to bridge critical gaps in mental health and rehabilitative services while enhancing the capacity of local justice systems to manage individuals requiring specialized care. Further updates are expected once the JVO concludes its review.