Ottho Gerhard Heldringstichting is a Dutch orthopaedic institution in Zetten, Netherlands. The facility is a private managed centre for youth with severe behaviour and often also psychiatric problems. The facility caters for youth from 12 – 18 years old court when the judge decides that juvenile needs treatment in a closed setting.
History
The facility is named after Ottho Gerhard Heldring, in his time a famous Dutchmen. As author and pastor He worried about and cared for the less fortunate and people with problems. In 1848 he founded the first society offering place to young women who were pregnant against their will. And the children of these women were raised by his society and received education. Also youngster that couldn't survive in society because of their behavior could find shelter and help as well. Education has always been important for Heldring. Each child received the education he/she needed, from primary school, grammar school to vocational education, depending one age, capabilities and need. Since the 1960s all education is done via school De Brouwerij. The current buildings in use by the OGH were erected during the 1990s
Target group
Short term treatment in a closed and secured environment of longer treatment in a protected and less secured setting are both available. On the closed/high security treatment unit the capacity is eleven girls. On the protected semi-secured treatment there is a total capacity of 140 youth: male, female and mixed. All residents are placed via the court, but not all residents are sent for criminal behavior, but in all cases the judge orders stay and treatment for the children's problematic behavior
Treatment
Most residents at OGH have a long history of problems, often including a problematic home environment. Youth are sent to OGH if they need a closed off protected environment for treatment. Residents refusing help might receive forced treatment.
Programme
Residents are as much as possible divided in age-groups and receive treatment based on their individual needs. A list of methods or forms available:
based on individual treatment- and end-result goals.
For some arrivals a start in the closed setting is required, others can start in the protected setting.
Het Ambulatorium
The same foundation also offers treatment for non-residents called Het Ambulatorium. This facility is also based in Zetten, and offers diagnostics and treatment for children aged 2 – 24 years. Their main services are:
Several sorts of studies for Justice and/or Youth-protection agencies on family, environment, personality, resulting in a report and advice for treatment, punishment, accountability of offender etc.
parents: How to raise children, better interaction with kids during puberty, Handling active children
for professionals : several courses for people interacting with children/youth in their profession. Some examples: Dealing with aggression, how to behave during crises or incidents, Sexual delinquents, Interacting with girls
and on request OGH offers tailor-made training and training-material
Diagnostics and Therapy
Where residential clients are always sent via the court-system, the outdoor centre is open for anyone. Any doctor can refer him/her to the centre for mental health issues.
