The Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate (IGJ) received another 20 complaints about the Yes We Can Clinic in Hilvarenbeek after the broadcast of BNNVARA’s BOOS. This is evident from answers from Minister Sterk of Long-term Care, Youth and Sport to parliamentary questions.
In the BOOS broadcast dozens of (former) clients and employees told about their experiences at the clinic for young people with psychological and behavioral problems. They spoke, among other things, about bullying, humiliation and the mental pressure exerted on young people during the treatments.
There is also a lot of criticism of the ‘one size fits all’ approach, in which one method is applied to young people with various problems.
The answers to the parliamentary questions show that the IGJ has received signals about the clinic since 2022. In 2022 there were 2 signals, in 2023 1, in 2024 2 and in 2025 2 again. In the first four months of 2026 alone, that number increased to 22 signals. Of these, 2 arrived before the broadcast of BOOS and 20 afterwards.
Previous complaints are not grounds for investigation
The IGJ has now started an investigation at the clinic ‘given the nature and severity of the signals.’ The inspectorate collects information about the care, including by requesting documents and visiting the institution in Hilvarenbeek. Depending on the outcome of that investigation, the Inspectorate will determine whether follow-up actions are necessary.
In answering the parliamentary questions, the minister indicated that the complaints from previous years did not provide a reason for the IGJ to conduct an investigation.
Complaints to the Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate
The Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate (IGJ) monitors the quality and safety of healthcare and youth care in the Netherlands.
A complaint to the IGJ is a report from clients, patients, their loved ones and other involved parties about possible problems in healthcare. Based on such signals, the inspectorate assesses whether further investigation or supervision is necessary.
It is not known what the complaints about Yes We Can Clinics are about. The IGJ does not share information about this because an investigation is underway.
Last inspection visit in 2018
The last inspection visit to the clinic was on December 10, 2018. That investigation was part of a broader supervision round at medium-sized mental health and addiction care institutions.
During that visit, the inspectorate spoke with administrators and healthcare providers and examined files and policy documents. No conversations were held with young people who were being treated at that time.
The IGJ also states that discussions with young people are being conducted in the research that has now started.
Here you can read more stories about the Yes We Can Clinic in Hilvarenbeek.