Foster Family Placement Zoetermeer

Foster Family Placement in Zoetermeer

Foster family placement provides temporary or long-term care for children and young people in Zoetermeer who cannot safely grow up at home. The child is placed with certified foster parents, often following an out-of-home placement. This protects the child's development and safety, while maintaining the relationship with the parents as much as possible. In Zoetermeer, the municipality coordinates this through local foster care providers.

What does foster family placement in Zoetermeer entail?

In foster family placement in Zoetermeer, a child is removed from their own family and placed temporarily or for a longer period with a foster family. Forms include crisis fostering (short-term in emergencies), short-term foster care (months) or long-term care (years, sometimes until adulthood). The aim is a safe, stable home situation, with a focus on possible return or alternatives. Zoetermeer has many registered foster families with certified institutions. Placement always requires a judicial procedure, via the Child Protection Board or family judge at the District Court The Hague.

Legal basis for foster family placement Zoetermeer

The Youth Act (2015) and Civil Code Book 1 form the basis. Relevant articles:

• Youth Act art. 1.1: Foster parent care as care by non-relatives in a family setting.
• Youth Act art. 2.1-2.2: OTS and out-of-home placement as precursors.
• Youth Act art. 3.1 et seq.: Rules for foster care, matching and support.
• Civil Code Book 1 art. 1:261 et seq.: Rights of foster parents and parents in long-term care.

In crisis situations, an emergency measure (Youth Act art. 4.1) applies for up to 2 weeks, extendable by the family judge. Longer placements require judicial approval via District Court The Hague.

Procedure for foster family placement in Zoetermeer

Steps in Zoetermeer:

1. Report and investigation: Via Safe at Home Zoetermeer or school to the municipality. Youth care worker assesses.
2. OTS application: Certified institution submits request to District Court The Hague.
3. Hearing: Parents, child (from 12 years) and others heard.
4. Judicial order: In case of risk of serious danger, out-of-home placement follows, often foster family.
5. Matching: Child matched with suitable foster family based on profile.
6. Supervision: Local foster care supervisor supports family and parents.

Periodic evaluation focuses on return where possible. Consult the Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer for advice.

Rights and obligations in foster family placement

Parents rights:

• Information about child and placement.
• Contact rights, unless harmful.
• Legal aid and appeal (within 3 months) at District Court The Hague.

Parents obligations:

• Cooperate with help and plan.
• Contribution to costs (child benefit and own contribution).

Foster parents:

• Reimbursement (€20-€30/day per child).
• Trusted role and cooperate in evaluation.

Child: Voice from 12 years, right to child representative.

Examples of foster family placement Zoetermeer

Example 1: 10-year-old girl removed from home after violence by stepfather. After OTS crisis fostering, then long-term with local family. Parents therapy, return after 18 months.

Example 2: Teenager with behavioral issues in specialized foster family Zoetermeer with intensive support. Annual extension until 18 years.

Example 3: Infant with addicted parents directly in respite fostering, with contact.

Differences foster family vs. other care

In Zoetermeer, foster families are prioritized for family feeling. Contact municipality or Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer for help.