Overview
- The four specialized homes, once slated to shut after March 31, remain open for now following Thursday's tense parliamentary debate where the minister said insurers are in talks with possible buyers.
- Health Minister Mirjam Sterk said she cannot force the private operator to keep sites running, though she can require that doors stay open until each child has a suitable alternative.
- Parents reported fresh uncertainty after an email said May openings were not assured, and staff are already seeking other jobs, which threatens care now and any potential transfer.
- The clients’ council has sued to stop the shutdown and is asking for a delay through year-end, with a court hearing due in mid-July and a meeting between the minister and the provider set for next week.
- ExpertCare says the model is not viable because insurer payments do not cover the high cost of intensive care and staffing is short, leaving roughly 80 children who rely on short stays and day support at risk of losing scarce respite care.