A Last Resort? Transnational Placements of Dutch Caribbean Young People in Secure Residential Care in the European Netherlands

The Caribbean Netherlands lacks specialized care facilities for young people with histories of neglect, abuse, and challenging behavior, leading some to be placed in secure residential youth care (RYC) in the European Netherlands. These transnational placements are far reaching due to geographic distance and their involuntary nature. This study explores the experiences of Dutch Caribbean young people and family members regarding such placements. We conducted retrospective interviews with eight young people and four family members, and analyzed data thematically. Young people described growing up in environments with unmet basic needs, abuse, neglect, and instability in the Caribbean Netherlands. While placements in the European Netherlands provided improved access to basic needs, education, employment, and leisure, young people faced challenges including adapting to the closed RYC setting, cultural dislocation, and geographical separation from family. Limited parental involvement hindered maintaining familial relations. Transnational placements are highly disruptive and should be a last resort. Strengthening family support and developing small-scale RYC in the Caribbean Netherlands could reduce their necessity. When unavoidable, placements should facilitate parental involvement and preserve parent–child relationships. To support the wellbeing and resilience of young people in transnational secure RYC, interventions must be tailored to cultural, familial, and structural contexts.