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Netherlands

4. Social Inclusion

4.4 Inclusive programmes for young people

Last update: 16 December 2025
On this page
  1. Programmes specific for vulnerable young people
  2. Funding
  3. Quality assurance
On this page
  1. Programmes specific for vulnerable young people
  2. Funding
  3. Quality assurance

Programmes specific for vulnerable young people

Appropriate education and other inclusive educational programmes

Chapter 6 describes several measures to include vulnerable young people in education. One example is The Dutch policy framework that was introduced in 2024. This framework aims to ensure that by 2035 all children and young people have equal access to inclusive education close to home. Inclusive education (only in Dutch) means creating learning environments where every child is welcome, supported, and able to learn and participate alongside peers. This approach fosters respect for diversity, reduces segregation, and prepares children for full and equal participation in society. Research shows that inclusive education positively impacts both cognitive and socio-emotional development for children with and without disabilities, and strengthens social cohesion by promoting shared experiences and equal opportunities. It is seen as a key driver for an inclusive society.  Before this was referred to as appropriate education (passend onderwijs) 
 Paragraph 6.2 provides more information about appropriate education and its evaluation. 

 

Inclusion on the labour market

In chapter 3, and specifically in paragraph 3.6, you can find programmes for vulnerable young people to enhance their participation in employment and entrepreneurship.

In 2024 The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) published the ‘National Strategy for the Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ (only in Dutch) today, together with all relevant ministries. This national strategy aims to significantly improve the position of (young) people with disabilities. The goal of the strategy is to ensure that, by 2040 at the latest, the position of people with disabilities aligns with the principles of the UN Convention. This means we want to create a society where children, young people, and adults with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate and develop. The strategy includes objectives that all involved parties will pursue to make this happen. 

Key points for a society where everyone feels welcome 

  • Children and young people, with and without disabilities, grow up together, learn, play, and engage in physical activities together. 

  • Society is socially accessible for people with disabilities. They do not feel discriminated against and can participate in society in the way they choose. 

  • Media expressions and images contribute to realistic representation and equality of people with disabilities. 

  • There are no barriers to holding a political position or exercising political rights. 

 

Poverty programmes

A number of (general) poverty reduction programmes and measures are described in paragraph 4.3.

Inclusion of people with mental and intellectual disabilities

The programme ‘Extraordinary Ordinary, National Programme for the Handicapped’ (Gewoon Bijzonder, Nationaal Programma Gehandicapten) is an initiative of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport). The implementation is being done by  The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw). This programme has a direct connection with the UN treaty and focuses on greater participation and empowerment of disabled people. This includes a focus on young people with disabilities. In the ‘Extraordinary Ordinary’ programme scientists, professionals in care, welfare and education, (representatives of) people with (mental) disabilities, informal carers and other stakeholders develop, spread and apply knowledge to improve care and support for people with a mental disability, multiple disabilities or an acquired brain injury. The goal is to enable people with intellectual disabilities and other conditions to function more independently and confidently in society, for example, to work and learn. This programme was introduced in 2014 and has a timeframe of ten years.

Examples of projects that are part of the programme:

  • Social participation by young adults with mild intellectual disabilities (Maatschappelijke participatie door jongvolwassenen met LVB): A study that examined whether buddy projects (Maatjesprojecten) and circles of friends (Vriendenkringen) led to independent participation of young adults with mild intellectual disabilities in society. Duration: 2018-2018.
  • Language for everyone in Maastricht (Taal voor Allemaal in Maastricht): young people with mild intellectual disabilities investigated how the municipality of Maastricht could adjust its communication to make it understandable for all citizens. Information products have been renewed and tested. Municipal employees have been trained to communicate comprehensibly. Duration: 2017-2018.
  • Learning together (Samen Leren): clients with (intellectual) disabilities are trained to give guest lectures to secondary vocational education students about their support needs. Duration: 2020-2021.

Funding

The “Extraordinary Ordinary” programme (Gewoon Bijzonder) is primarily funded by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the Ministry of Justice and Security, receiving €8 million for its 2024–2027 phase. Additionally, 35 projects were funded in earlier rounds with €5.8 million through ZonMw (only in dutch).
Funding mechanisms include: 

  • Top-level budget allocation: Ministries assign budgets to ZonMw to manage and disburse through grant rounds.
  • Implementation grants: For 2024–2027, an implementatie‑subsidie pot of €500,000 (up to €50,000 per project) supports practical implementation of tested interventions.
  • EU funding usage: Although the programme itself does not explicitly cite EU funding, similar inclusion initiatives often combine national and EU funds like the ESF. 

Funding aligns with broader policy goals by reinforcing national priorities such as disability inclusion under the National Programme for the Handicapped and UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Quality assurance

A mid-term evaluation of the programme was published in February 2019, commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and conducted by The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw) (Mid-term evaluation – only in Dutch).

Key mechanisms and findings:

  • Evaluation scope: 35 projects assessed for relevance, effectiveness, and dissemination of results.
  • Youth focus: Two grant rounds targeted young people with mild intellectual disabilities—one on care and support, another on preventing involvement in the criminal justice system.
  • Recommendations: Second phase should emphasize implementation of results in municipal services, vocational education, universities of applied sciences, and family/social worker networks.
  • Monitoring: Continuous tracking of project outcomes until 2024, with a final evaluation scheduled for 2024 (ZonMw – Programme details).

Quality assurance criteria include:

  • Accessibility and uptake of interventions
  • Impact on beneficiaries (measured through project reports and satisfaction surveys)
  • Dissemination of knowledge and integration into practice