Foster care means that a child is placed in another family for a short or longer period. The foster parents take on the daily care, while the biological parents often retain parental authority.
When is foster care needed?
Foster care can be used in the following situations:
- If the situation at home is temporarily unsafe
- If parents cannot care for their child due to personal circumstances (for example, due to illness or a crisis)
- If a child needs specific care or guidance
- As part of a child protection measure such as supervision order (OTS) or out-of-home placement
Types of foster care
| Type | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency care | Acute care in a crisis situation | Maximum 4 weeks |
| Temporary care | Provisional placement with the aim of return to the parents | Often less than 2 years |
| Long-term foster care | Permanent upbringing by foster parents | Until the child reaches majority |
| Part-time care | Care during weekends or school holidays | Depending on the situation |
| Kinship foster care | Care by acquaintances such as family members or friends | Variable |
Who is involved in foster care?
Various parties are involved in foster care:
- Biological parents: Often retain parental authority and decide on important matters
- Foster parents: Responsible for daily upbringing and care
- Foster care agency: Supports and guides foster parents
- Accredited institution: Supervises in case of OTS and coordinates care
- Municipality of Zoetermeer: Responsible for funding under the Youth Act
Financial allowance for foster parents
Foster parents receive a monthly allowance for the child's costs:
- A basic allowance for daily care and upbringing
- Extra supplements in special circumstances
- Child benefit is paid to foster parents
Rights of foster parents
- Support and guidance from a foster care organisation
- Right to relevant information about the child
- Possibility of veto right after long-term placement (refusal of return placement)
- After one year, input in important decisions
What distinguishes foster care from adoption?
In foster care, the biological parents often remain the legal parents, whereas in adoption, the adoptive parents become fully legally responsible and the bond with the original parents is severed. Foster care is usually temporary, adoption is permanent.Do parents stay in contact with their child during foster care?
In most cases, yes. A visitation arrangement is established, often with the aim of enabling return to the parents. In long-term foster care, contact may however be limited.What if parents want their child back?
This is carefully assessed. In voluntary foster care, parents are in principle entitled to return placement. In involuntary placement, the court decides. Foster parents can exercise their veto right after one year.Frequently asked questions about foster care in Zoetermeer
How can I become a foster parent in Zoetermeer?
You can register via a foster care organisation or the Municipality of Zoetermeer. A screening process follows with home visits and training, which takes about 3 to 6 months. You receive guidance and an allowance for the costs.
What is the monthly allowance for foster parents?
The basic allowance varies between €900 and €1,200 per month, depending on the child's age and needs. In addition, you receive child benefit and possibly extra supplements for special care. This allowance is tax-free.
Can foster parents refuse return placement?
After one year, foster parents have a veto right, with which they can refuse return placement if it is not in the child's best interest. In involuntary placement, the court decides.
What are the rights of biological parents?
Parents often retain parental authority and have the right to information and input on important matters such as education and health. A visitation arrangement is agreed, unless the court decides otherwise.
What happens when a foster child turns 18?
Upon reaching majority, official foster care ends, but many foster families remain informally involved.
Relevant institutions in Zoetermeer:
- Court: District Court of The Hague (district)
- Legal Aid Office: Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer