WILLEMSTAD – Minister of Justice Shalten Hato has appointed Natascha Pieter as Acting Director of the Curaçao Juvenile Detention Center (JJIC), a move the ministry says marks an important step in the continued stabilization, professionalization, and development of the institution.
The Ministry of Justice announced the appointment on Tuesday, expressing confidence that Pieter will work closely with staff, parents, partner organizations, and other stakeholders to further strengthen the facility's mission of providing a safe, structured, and development-oriented environment for young people entrusted to its care.
More Than Three Decades of Experience
Pieter brings more than 30 years of experience in the justice sector in both Curaçao and the Netherlands. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively in counseling, leadership, organizational development, and change management.
According to the ministry, she is recognized as a solutions-oriented professional with a strong ability to build connections between people, disciplines, and organizations while bringing together diverse interests around common goals.
Her career has included successful collaboration with government agencies, social organizations, and healthcare partners. The ministry described her leadership style as one based on engagement, clarity, cooperation, and empowering professionals in their daily work.
Experience in Youth Rehabilitation and Organizational Change
Pieter also played a key role as a liaison officer during the implementation of the sociological model of the Glen Mills School, a rehabilitation approach centered on positive group dynamics, behavioral change, personal responsibility, and focusing on the strengths and potential of young people rather than their limitations.
In addition, she has served as a change agent in various government transformation projects, helping organizations navigate cultural change, improve quality standards, and strengthen public services.
The ministry highlighted her work as a trainer for the Kódigo di Protekshon (Protection Code), where she has supported managers and supervisors in identifying, preventing, and addressing situations involving the protection of children, youth, seniors, and individuals in vulnerable circumstances.
Focus on Youth Development
As acting director, Pieter will focus on strengthening support services for young residents, their families, and JJIC staff while implementing the policy direction established by the Ministry of Justice.
She will also help oversee the implementation of recommendations emerging from the institution’s ongoing improvement program, which is being guided by government consultancy agency SOAB.
Justice Minister Hato emphasized that the juvenile detention center should be viewed as more than a secure facility.
“The JJIC must be a place where young people are not only protected from further decline, but where they are also prepared for a better future,” the minister said. “It should be a place where structure, guidance, education, responsibility, and opportunity are central. Safety remains essential, but safety alone is not enough. Young people must be given the opportunity to rebuild themselves and make a positive contribution to our society.”
Supporting Ongoing Reforms
According to the minister, Pieter’s appointment aligns closely with that vision.
“With Ms. Pieter, we are bringing in an experienced professional who possesses the knowledge, experience, and people-centered approach necessary to continue shaping the changes already underway at JJIC,” Hato said. “Her experience in both Curaçao and the Netherlands, her expertise in change management, and her ability to connect people make her exceptionally qualified for this important responsibility.”
The Ministry of Justice also expressed its appreciation for the dedication of JJIC employees during recent years and reaffirmed its commitment to working with all partners to build a safer, more stable, and future-oriented institution.
The ministry said its ultimate goal remains creating an environment where young people can recover, grow, learn responsibility, and gain a renewed perspective on successfully reintegrating into society.