The Caged Bird’s Echo: An intersectional policy analysis of the Dutch child protection system

Oomen, Larissa (2025) The Caged Bird’s Echo: An intersectional policy analysis of the Dutch child protection system. Master thesis, Pedagogical and Educational Sciences.

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Abstract

This thesis examines systemic inequities in Dutch governmental child protection policies using an intersectional approach. The IBPA framework was used to identify disparities within nine key policies and to subsequently propose recommendations for improvement. The analysis reveals that a slow shift towards more individualised approaches is present; however, significant disparities that hinder full execution of human rights for marginalised children and families persists. Key findings include limited explicit recognition of inequities in policies, insufficient specific measures to address disparities, and varied consideration of inequities between policies and across different policy sections. Subsequently, this thesis proposes numerous interventions and recommendations to reduce identified inequities. Of the proposed alterations, two warrant further emphasis. The first is the need to alter the five-day window frame given to parents for contesting Child Protection Services reports (in Dutch). This measure can significantly impact families that lack sufficient Dutch proficiency and/or are hindered in writing due to a disability. The second relates to the usage of the Ritax instrument, which is used to calculate the chances of recidivism in juvenile delinquency cases. Analysis of the instrument resulted in concerns regarding the perpetuation of systemic biases. Henceforth, a re-evaluation of the Ritax instrument is urged, meanwhile suspending the use of the instrument in decisions-making. Limitations of this thesis lie in its scope and lack of participant involvement. Thus, for future research, it is advisable to incorporate non-governmental agencies and to involve marginalised persons in analysis as well as the formation of solutions. Concludingly, this research underscores the need for increased intersectional analysis in Dutch social systems and urges the government and other institutions to proactively address systemic inequities through regular policy evaluation and targeted solutions.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Lopez Lopez, M.
Degree programme:	Pedagogical and Educational Sciences
Differentiation route:	Youth 0-21, Society and Policy [Master Pedagogical and Educational Sciences]
Date Deposited:	14 Feb 2025 07:40
Last Modified:	14 Feb 2025 07:40
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4644

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