The National Ombudsman Alex Brenninkmeijer is calling on the Dutch authorities to be more flexible and lenient in dealing with young people. He believes political pressure is leading to institutions such as the police and the Child Care Agency implementing measures described as too severe and draconian.

In his annual report, he says government services and agencies should try to reduce tensions and not allow problems to escalate as a result of isolated incidents. He advises government institutions to keep problems in perspective, saying they should avoid making an issue of things or jumping to conclusions about people.

“Child care professionals are being governed by fear. The fear of isolated incidents,” writes the ombudsman. “The pranks, which naughty boys have always played, are now being considered with an eye to the courts.”

Overall last year, the ombudsman received fewer complaints than in 2008, with just over 12,000 people calling on his help, a drop of 6.5 percent. The reduction included 25 percent fewer complaints about the tax service.

Mr Brenninkmeijer sees the drop as an indication that the authorities are for the most part dealing with people better. They are resorting to more personal contact with clients and are trying to avoid cases of litigation.

Complaints about the Driving Proficiency Office and the Child Care Agency bucked the trend and rose in 2009.

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