Statement from the Supervisory Board

Dear Reader,

The Supervisory Board of Yes We Can (Youth) Clinics has taken note of the findings presented in the recent media coverage concerning Yes We Can (Youth) Clinics.

Oversight and Continuous Improvement

The Supervisory Board oversees the quality, safety and continuity of care and, in that role, remains continuously informed by feedback and concerns from within the organisation and its wider environment. This includes feedback from current and former fellows, parents, current and former employees, the Executive Board and external stakeholders.

Six months ago, the Supervisory Board appointed a new Executive Board. Based on feedback, evaluations and available data, the Executive Board has initiated a series of concrete improvements across the organisation and within clinical practice. The Supervisory Board actively monitors the implementation of these measures and oversees the continued strengthening of the quality, safety and professionalism of our care.

Careful Consideration and Perspective

Yes We Can (Youth) Clinics provides specialist mental healthcare for young people with complex mental health needs. The Supervisory Board recognises that this care is intensive and that young people may experience treatment differently.

We take very seriously the experiences of fellows who experienced their treatment as painful or distressing. These experiences deserve acknowledgement, careful reflection and, where necessary, changes to policy and practice. The Supervisory Board sees that the Executive Board is taking responsibility in this regard.

The Supervisory Board believes it is important that complex mental healthcare is assessed carefully, in context and on the basis of complete information, with room for different perspectives.

Developments in Clinical Practice

In recent months, the following measures have been initiated under the responsibility of the Executive Board:

• strengthening governance and clinical leadership, including the introduction of a four-member Executive Board (including a medical board member) and the further strengthening of the clinical leadership;
• strengthening the role of lead practitioners and psychiatrists and introducing smaller multidisciplinary teams;
• refining the treatment culture, including reviewing and, where necessary, discontinuing certain confrontational interventions;
• strengthening social safety, including improved reporting procedures (both internally and externally), the appointment of confidential advisers and improved follow-up of concerns;
• further expanding existing monitoring and scientific research into treatment outcomes, in collaboration with universities.

Closing Remarks

The Supervisory Board will continue to monitor the implementation of these measures closely and remains committed, together with the Executive Board, to the wellbeing of the young people in our care and their families.

Yours sincerely,

Supervisory Board
Yes We Can (Youth) Clinics