EUKN - Netherlands - Approach to young Antilleans/immigrants at risk

Approach to young Antilleans/immigrants at risk - Leeuwarden

Introduction

In Leeuwarden there is an immense gap between the organised assistance and care institutions on the one hand and young Antilleans on the other. With the approach of 2005 and 2006, the City of Leeuwarden has been attempting to bridge this gap. The 'Approach to young Antilleans/immigrants at risk in Leeuwarden 2005–2006' in the first place probes deeper into the complexity of the problems of these young people. In the search for a solution, attention is paid to the diversity of the target group and cultural differences. This solution approach has been converted into a programme of action, which started in mid-2005.

Description

The aim of the programme of action is to reduce the incidence of criminality and dropping-out among adolescents and young adults at risk of doing so through an individual approach. Young Antilleans/immigrants at risk who are in a programme are used as role models and deployed as street intermediaries. The programme intends to ensure that young Antilleans shall be less easily inclined to fall into anonymity/criminality. Due to the intensive integrated approach of the local authorities, the police and its partners, Leeuwarden will become less attractive to establish themselves or as a transitional place for criminal Antilleans. This will result in less criminality among Antilleans.

Conclusions

The following activities were organised in 2005 and 2006:

Individual approach

Deployment of a Street talent team. This team of former juvenile delinquents with various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, works on the streets in close collaboration with youth work, the police, the Regional Reporting and Co-ordination Point for Premature School-leavers and under the supervision of Het Buro.
The Pocket-money project helps young people to obtain part-time work. The young people are supported with job applications and learn about effective behaviour on the work floor.
Institution of 24-hour help for young people at risk. The possibilities are being looked into for a reception facility for young people up to 23 years old at risk which is accessible 24-hours a day.

Target group approach

Deployment of Anti+. Anti+ is an initiative by Antilleans themselves to show the community in Leeuwarden that Antilleans also wish to and indeed can, organise positive activities.
Space for Antilleans in support of their own activities.
Communication activities
Provision of information to third parties about the Antillean culture. Public information on working with Antilleans for organisations.
Sounding-board group. Radar recommends gathering together an official, broad, sounding-board group of Antilleans. This sounding-board group enables, among other things, the creation of support within the Antillean community and the exchange of information about developments within the community in Leeuwarden. The idea is that it should also form a good reflection of the Antillean community in Leeuwarden.

Contact info

City of Leeuwarden
gemeente@leeuwarden.nl

Publication date

01/05/2005

Project finished

Links

City of Leeuwarden (in Dutch)

Approach to young Antilleans/immigrants at risk in Leeuwarden 2005–2006 (PDF, Dutch, 156KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Keywords

Young people, Ethnic minorities