As a foster parent in Zoetermeer, you have specific responsibilities and rights. You provide daily care for the child, while parental authority often remains with the biological parents or a guardian. Over time, your rights may increase.
Daily Care in Zoetermeer
Foster parents bear responsibility for the child's daily needs:
- Nutrition, rest, and hygiene
- School transportation and support
- Supervision for hobbies and leisure time
- Minor medical care and attention
- Educational choices for the day
Decision-Making Authority and Parental Authority
| Who decides | Type of decisions |
|---|---|
| Foster parents | Routine matters and house rules |
| Biological parents/guardian | Important choices: education, health, religion |
| Joint consultation | Travel, sports activities, major expenses |
Access to Information for Foster Parents
In Zoetermeer, foster parents have the right to essential information about:
- The child's history
- Health records
- Reasons for the placement
- The care plan
- Arrangements regarding parental contact
Blocking Right after One Year
After one year of care in Zoetermeer, foster parents obtain the blocking right, which means:
- The child cannot be relocated without your consent
- You can prevent return to the parents
- A judge rules in case of disagreement
Option for Foster Parent Guardianship
For a long-term placement, you can apply for guardianship in Zoetermeer, which means:
- More influence on important decisions
- Less interference from external parties
- The parents' parental authority is terminated
- Support remains accessible
Responsibilities of Foster Parents
- Raising the child with care and attention
- Facilitating contact with biological parents
- Cooperating with the family guardian
- Providing updates on the child's development
- Complying with the care plan
Problems and Complaints Handling
In case of disputes in Zoetermeer, you can contact:
- Your foster care contact person
- The complaints body of the foster care organization
- The Children's Ombudsman
- The AKJ (Advice and Complaints Bureau for Youth Care)
Can I go on vacation outside the Netherlands with my foster child?
For this, you must obtain permission from the person with parental authority (parents or guardian). In a compulsory placement, approval from the certified institution is also required. Arrange this in good time.What if the parents demand the child back?
With the blocking right (after 1 year), you can prevent repatriation. The judge determines what is in the best interest of the child. Without this right, parents often have priority.Is adoption of my foster child possible?
Adoption is possible in exceptional cases, but requires termination of parental authority. Discuss this with your foster care supervisor in Zoetermeer.Questions about Foster Care in Zoetermeer
Which choices can I make as a foster parent myself?
You may arrange everyday matters, such as meals, bedtime, and activities. For major matters (such as school choice or medical procedures), permission from the parents or guardian is required. In case of uncertainty, consult the family guardian.
How does the blocking right work exactly?
You automatically receive this right after one year of care. The child cannot then be relocated without your consent. In conflicts, the judge decides what is in the child's best interest.
Can I apply for guardianship over my foster child?
Yes, for long-term care, you can apply for foster parent guardianship for more authority. This terminates the parents' parental authority. Contact your supervisor for advice.
What if parents want to end contact with the child?
Discuss this with your foster care supervisor and family guardian. Contact is often essential, unless it is harmful to the child. In a compulsory placement, the judge decides.
Which updates must I share with the family guardian?
You must share information about the child's development, such as school results and behavior, to optimally tailor the care.