Apology and investigation

To all fellows and their families from the past 15 years,

Based on the experiences shared in recent media coverage and the accounts we have received since, it is clear to us that there have been situations that did not meet the standard of care young people should expect.

To every fellow who, over the past 15 years, experienced something at Yes We Can Clinics that was painful, harmful or crossed personal boundaries, we offer our sincere apologies. We are equally sorry to the parents and families who entrusted us with the care of their child and who now look back on that experience with pain or doubt.

Reviewing the past

The recent media coverage and the experiences shared since have prompted us to carry out a comprehensive review of our organisation, the way we work and any further changes that may be needed. We have informed the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) and are also in contact with health insurers and municipalities about these matters.

One of the conclusions we have reached is that important concerns did not always reach us in the past. Understanding why that happened and how we can improve this in the future forms an important part of our review. We are speaking with former fellows, whose experiences will play a vital role in shaping both our findings and the steps we take next.

Change

Since the appointment of our new Executive Board last year, we have taken a critical look at the way confrontation is used within treatment. At times, therapeutic confrontation can be appropriate, but it should never be harmful. We have also expanded our multidisciplinary treatment teams by introducing specialist teams in the fields of trauma and eating disorders.

However, we know that our work does not end there.

Because we support so many young people every year, every individual experience that should not have happened matters deeply. This message is therefore not the conclusion of this process, but a commitment to continue improving wherever necessary, for every young person who comes to us in the future.

If you would like to talk to us about your experience, what you feel was missing, or what you need from us, we warmly invite you to get in touch. You can contact us at [email protected] or  +31 (0)85 02 01 222.

Yours sincerely,

The Executive Board
Yes We Can Healthcare Group