Foster Family Placement in Westland

Foster Family Placement in Westland

Foster family placement provides temporary or long-term care for children and young people in Westland who cannot safely grow up at home. The child is placed with certified foster parents, often as part of 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 Westland, the municipality coordinates this through local foster care providers.

What does foster family placement in Westland entail?

In foster family placement in Westland, a child is removed from their own family and placed temporarily or long-term 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 return to parents or an appropriate solution. Westland has many foster families, affiliated with certified institutions. Placement always requires a legal procedure via the Child Protection Board or family judge at the District Court The Hague (district).

Legal basis for foster family placement

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

• Youth Act art. 1.1: Foster parent care as care by a non-related person in a family setting.
• Youth Act art. 2.1 and 2.2: Regulates supervision order (OTS) and out-of-home placement.
• Youth Act art. 3.1 et seq.: Requirements 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 crises, an emergency measure (Youth Act art. 4.1) is possible for max. 2 weeks, extendable by the family judge. Longer placements require a court order.

Procedure for foster family placement in Westland

Steps in Westland:

1. Report and investigation: Via Safe at Home, school or GP to the Westland municipality. A youth care worker assesses the situation.
2. OTS application: Certified institution (GI) submits request to District Court The Hague.
3. Hearing: Parents, child (from 12 years) and involved parties are heard.
4. Court decision: In case of risk of serious danger, out-of-home placement follows, often in a foster family.
5. Matching process: Child matched to suitable foster family based on profile.
6. Support: Foster care supervisor assists family and maintains parent contact.

Evaluation takes place regularly, aimed at return if feasible. Contact Legal Desk Westland for advice.

Rights and obligations

Parents have the right to:

• Information about the child and placement.
• Contact arrangement, unless harmful.
• Legal aid and appeal (within 3 months).

Parental obligations: Cooperate with help and contribute financially.

Foster parents: Receive allowance (€20-€30/day) and must evaluate.

Child: Right to be heard from 12 years and child representative.

Examples from practice in Westland

Example 1: 10-year-old girl removed from home after violence; crisis fostering, then long-term family. Return after therapy.

Example 2: Teenager with behavioral issues in specialized foster family; extended until 18 years.

Example 3: Infant with parental addiction directly in respite fostering with contact.

Comparison foster family vs. other care