Youth Act and the Role of the Municipality of Westland
The Youth Act organizes youth care in the Netherlands and designates municipalities as the primary responsible parties. Since 2015, the Municipality of Westland has been required to provide assistance to children and young people up to 18 years old (sometimes up to 23) facing issues such as parenting challenges or mental health problems. This article explains how the Municipality of Westland applies the Youth Act, focusing on local tasks, rights, and examples from the region.
What Does the Youth Act Mean for Westland?
The Youth Act, effective since January 1, 2015, integrates youth care, protection, and justice services, replacing older regulations like the Youth Care Act. The goal is to make assistance accessible and locally managed, with the Municipality of Westland as the central coordinator. The municipality provides a full range of services, from prevention to intensive support, including school-based help and leisure activities tailored to optimal child development in Westland.
At the core is the principle of 'one family, one plan, one care coordinator': all parties collaborate under the municipality's guidance. For Westland residents, this streamlines access to support—one single point of contact instead of multiple agencies.
Legal Framework of the Youth Act
The Youth Act (Book 1 of the statutes) outlines the municipality's role. Key articles include:
- Article 2.1: The Municipality of Westland must arrange all youth care provisions.
- Article 2.2: Access through an application to the municipality, which develops an arrangement with suitable support.
- Article 2.8: Funding provided by central government, but Westland handles implementation and procurement.
- Article 3.1: Youth protection in cases of risk, involving supervision orders through the juvenile division of the Westland District Court.
This framework requires the Municipality of Westland to deliver proactive care, drawing inspiration from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Annual reports to central government ensure transparency, with local accountability to the municipal council.
Tasks of the Municipality of Westland under the Youth Act
The Municipality of Westland serves as financier, coordinator, and provider of youth care. Key responsibilities include:
- Prevention and early intervention: Investing in local initiatives like parenting courses in Naaldwijk or school programs in 's-Gravenzande.
- Handling support requests: Through the Westland Youth Desk, conducting intakes, developing plans, and assigning care providers.
- Procuring care: Contracting regional providers such as psychologists and foster care services in Westland.
- Youth protection: In crises like abuse, involving the Child Care and Protection Board, with referrals to the Westland District Court.
- Youth probation: Supervising young people in criminal matters to prevent reoffending.
The Municipality of Westland implements the Act alongside regional partners, adapted to the local horticultural community and specific needs.
Rights and Obligations under the Youth Act in Westland
Parents and young people in Westland have clear rights and obligations.
Rights
- Appropriate, free support without excessive waiting times.
- Privacy protection (Article 7.1 Youth Act).
- Input on arrangements and right to appeal; seek support from The Westland Legal Aid Desk.
- Judicial review by the juvenile court of the Westland District Court for coercive measures like out-of-home placement.
Obligations
- Active participation in support, in the child's best interests.
- Report safety concerns to the Municipality of Westland or Safe at Home.
- Possible income-based contribution for non-medical care.
If services fall short: file a complaint with the Municipality of Westland or the Children's Ombudsman; free advice available at The Westland Legal Aid Desk.
Practical Examples of the Youth Act in Westland
A family in Naaldwijk notices anxiety in their 14-year-old due to school bullying. Through the Westland WMO Youth Desk, they receive an intake, an arrangement including a psychologist and school support—all funded by the municipal budget.
In 's-Gravenzande, a family doctor assists a single parent with parenting challenges via a voluntary program from the prevention fund. If issues escalate, the Municipality of Westland activates youth protection, potentially involving the Westland District Court.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.