Justice Ministry Targets 2027 Launch of Youth Care Coordination Center and Expands Rehabilitation Pathways

GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Justice is advancing two initiatives aimed at strengthening support systems for vulnerable youth and improving rehabilitation pathways for persons within the justice system, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling said during the 2026 budget debate.

The Minister provided an update on the planned care coordination center, explaining that the project is currently active and is expected to become operational in the first half of 2027. She emphasized that the facility should not be misunderstood as a shelter, but rather as a coordination center where care and justice partners can work together on complex cases involving young people.

The purpose of the center is to ensure that cases involving vulnerable youth are addressed through a coordinated approach instead of each organization handling separate parts of a case independently. The model is intended to bring relevant partners together to improve communication, coordination and follow-up.

Minister Tackling explained that preparatory work is focused on several key areas, including establishing the organizational structure, developing the necessary legal framework, defining job profiles and preparing standard operating procedures. The Ministry is also working with UNICEF for six months of support and training as part of the development process.

A budget allocation of Cg. 350,000 from the Crime Fund policy plan has been identified for the initiative. However, the Minister noted that funding alone is not sufficient and that the necessary legal and operational structures must also be finalized before the center can become fully operational.

“The objective is to create a system where care partners and justice partners can work together on complex cases involving young people, ensuring that one case is handled jointly rather than separately by multiple organizations,” the Minister explained.

In addition to the youth care coordination center, Minister Tackling also addressed efforts to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities within the justice system through expanded education, skills development and employment pathways.

She explained that the Ministry is working on a broader approach that connects education programs in custody with vocational training, practical work opportunities, private sector partnerships and employment opportunities after release.

The initiative forms part of efforts to create a clearer pathway for individuals leaving the justice system, with the goal of reducing the likelihood of reoffending by providing skills, support and opportunities for reintegration.

The Minister referenced community and prison dialogues held in May 2026 involving civil society organizations, NGOs, community groups, businesses and employers. These discussions focused on identifying practical partnerships around education, mentoring, skills development and employment opportunities.

As part of the developing prison industry model, the Ministry is looking at structured vocational pathways, recognized skills and certification programs, engagement with employers and potential partnerships that can create opportunities for persons preparing to return to society.

Minister Tackling said the approach requires cooperation between government, the private sector and community partners, noting that successful rehabilitation cannot be achieved by the justice system alone.

The Ministry’s broader detention reform efforts also include strengthening education, rehabilitation and reintegration programs at correctional facilities, with international support being used to help develop systems and capabilities that were previously unavailable locally.

The Minister stressed that improving the justice system requires more than infrastructure investment. While new facilities are being developed, equal attention must be placed on the programs, trained personnel and partnerships needed to ensure those facilities function effectively.

“These initiatives form part of a wider effort to strengthen prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration within St. Maarten’s justice system,” the Ministry stated.

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