The Child Protection Board is a government agency that in Westland and beyond ascertains whether children are growing up in a safe environment and provides the court with advice on protective measures and parental authority matters.
Role of the Board
In Westland, the Child Protection Board carries out the following core tasks:
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Safety of children | Assessing whether a protective measure is necessary |
| Divorce conflicts | Providing advice on contact arrangements and parental authority after a divorce |
| Juvenile delinquency | Guiding and advising in cases involving juvenile suspects |
When does the Board intervene?
- When there are signals regarding the safety of a child (via Safe at Home Westland)
- In cases of disagreement between parents about children after a divorce
- When a minor is involved in a criminal offence
- For applications to change parental authority
- At the request of the court for advice on parental authority issues
Course of a board investigation
During an investigation in Westland:
- The Board collects information from all parties involved
- Conducts interviews with parents, the child, schools and support services
- Thoroughly analyses the situation
- Prepares an advice report for the court
Cooperating with the investigation
Although cooperating with a board investigation is not mandatory:
- Non-cooperation can be detrimental to your position
- The Board can still formulate advice based on the available information
- The court may take your refusal into account in the decision
Your rights during the process
- You are entitled to be informed about the progress of the investigation
- You have the opportunity to share your viewpoint
- You can inspect the draft report and have inaccuracies corrected
- You have the right to support from a lawyer or trusted person
What is the duration of a board investigation?
An average investigation lasts approximately 12 weeks. In urgent cases, this can be faster, and in complex situations, longer.Can I view the Board's report?
Yes, you receive the report before it goes to the court. You can have factual errors corrected and add a written response.What if I dispute the Board's advice?
You can submit your objections to the court. The court makes an independent decision and is not obliged to follow the advice. You can appeal against the judgment.Frequently asked questions in Westland
What is the task of the Child Protection Board?
The Board investigates whether children are safe and advises the court on appropriate measures.
When is the Board involved?
In cases of suspected unsafety, child abuse or divorce disputes where parents cannot reach agreement.
How does a board investigation proceed?
The Board speaks with all involved parties and prepares advice for the court or support services.
Can I challenge the Board's advice?
You can share your opinion with the court, which makes its own decision and is not bound by the advice.
What is the average duration of an investigation?
An investigation usually lasts about 3 months, but this can vary depending on the case.
Summary
The Child Protection Board in Westland assesses risks to children and supports the court with advice.
Key points
- Identifies problems concerning children
- Provides advice on protective measures
- An investigation lasts on average 3 months
- The court has the final say
Relevant agencies in Westland:
- District Court The Hague (district)
- Legal Aid Office Westland