Caroline is staying at the KOB, the short-term observation and treatment department. It examines what clients need to function properly. Full of patience and optimism, the team works with people who are unable to go anywhere because of their complex care needs. Caroline was told in advance that the residents were often not accountable, but she still hoped to make contact. “I find it very exciting, but I’m also looking forward to it,” she says before her visit in the camera.
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Once arrived, she immediately meets 20-year-old Luuk, who gives her a tour. Luuk has been living at De Hartenberg for two years and comes from youth detention. This has also been taken into account in the design of his room. For example, he has a special door and he also has a different floor, after he set it on fire last time. “That is not so smart either”, Caroline tries to keep things a bit light.
Caroline also comes into contact with resident Sam, eighteen, who is monitored 24 hours a day. Sam explains that when she came in, she was suicidal. Her arms are therefore full of scars. She has now stopped cutting herself. Yet on Caroline’s fourth day it goes completely wrong: Sam decides to hurt himself again. Moments later, her whole room is short and small. She must be restrained by four men. “It’s too much,” Caroline explains. “She had to cry so badly. My heart broke.”
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Do you think of suicide? You are not alone. Contact Stichting 113 Suicide Prevention: 0900-0113 or 113.nl Opening hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week.
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Residents such as Sam are only present temporarily and after a while go to a suitable shelter. You do not just come in and because of the small group and intensive guidance a place is precious. And those supervisors deserve a compliment from Caroline, because they are available to clients day and night. Even if one of the residents breaks through early in the morning. Caroline takes a look and does not know what she is experiencing. “I don’t know what to say for a moment. I am completely shaking, this is so intense,” she says through the screams.
“It was an eventful week, but it was beautiful”, she looks back after five days. “What I have seen and experienced, I will never forget that. I am incredibly grateful for my own life,” she says in tears.
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Five Days Inside can be seen every Tuesday at 21.25 on RTL 4. Watch the episode here or watch it in advance at Videoland.
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