Youth work

The police is actively involved in a multidisciplinary network of professionals dedicated to promoting the well-being of children and adolescents and preventing crime. The network also seeks to prevent violent extremism and radicalisation. 

The network consists of teams of professionals representing the police, social services, health care and youth work. Every police department has a team specialising in youth work. 

Support for adolescents and families

The multi-professional network can intervene, for instance, when an adolescent begins to commit petty crimes or use drugs. The multi-professional approach can also be helpful for young people who are struggling with life due to, for example, previous experiences of domestic violence. The objective is to intervene in problems at as early a stage as possible. 

Although the focus is on supporting adolescents, their parents and the whole family also play a role, and help is available to all those affected by the situation. The biggest advantage of the multi-professional approach is the network’s ability to involve all the relevant authorities from the start and provide a “one-stop shop” for struggling adolescents and their families.