I spent my teenage years in Leeuwarden. My neighbors, classmates, and soccer teammates all came from the poorest neighborhoods in town. Crime among young people was a major problem. In my area many peers were active in youth gangs. I am the only one among my childhood friends who has never come into contact with the law.
My experience as a teenager and how things turned out wrong with my friends has always intrigued me. This is why I have done a lot of research to understand the causes of juvenile delinquency in my area.
Since then, as a professional and as an active part of society, I have often interacted with young people who are in the same position as my childhood friends. I share the insights I have gained with young people and I also give guest lectures to pupils and students on juvenile crime.
