Young people in the forensic system often struggle with unresolved trauma. Accessing the necessary therapy proves difficult. Without treatment, there is a high risk of reoffending. The martial arts intervention ‘From Trauma to Strength’, aimed at young people aged between 12 and 27, may offer a solution to this. In this programme, a trainer and a mental health therapist work together in a multidisciplinary team. The martial arts trainers find it easy to connect with the young offenders, and physical activity increases body awareness and helps establish a connection with the mind. From that point onwards, there is more scope for the therapist to work with the young person.
The programme officially launched in Amsterdam in January 2026, and young people are now being supported through it. The programme was initiated and is being run by the City of Amsterdam’s Action Centre for Safety and Care.
Prior to the launch, a preparatory phase took place during which the various stakeholders met on several occasions to establish a methodological and theoretical basis for the intervention. Thanks to the experience gained, the existing network and the detailed elaboration of the working method, a solid foundation has already been laid. Now that the intervention has begun, the Safety and Care Action Centre intends, during this implementation phase, to focus on developing an action-oriented monitoring system and establishing a knowledge network in which all stakeholders participate.