Dutch care homes for severely ill children to close without alternative placements

Four specialized care homes for seriously ill children will shut permanently by the end of 2026 even if alternative placements have not been secured for every child. This was told by Villa ExpertCare and its owner to Dutch lawmakers Thursday, according to Hart van Nederland.

About 80 children face the loss of highly specialized residential care. The announcement reverses earlier assurances that the facilities would remain open until all residents had suitable new care arrangements.

Villa ExpertCare said earlier this year it planned to close the four residential “care villas” due to the costs not being sustainable. The original March 31 deadline was postponed to December 31 after public and political pressure, but suitable alternatives still have not been found for all children.

Interim director Arina Kruithof told the Tweede Kamer, “We simply do not have the money.” German medical company B. Braun, which owns the organization, said it has lost money on the Dutch care operations for years and cannot continue funding them.

“The entire conversation is about money. Money is being put above very young people in a vulnerable position,” said Marijke Synhaeve from D66. Lisa Westerveld from Pro questioned why officials had previously promised the homes would stay open until every child had a new placement.

Several members of parliament criticized the way the closure has been handled. Villa ExpertCare acknowledged that health insurers should have been informed earlier.