As a foster parent in Westland, 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.
Care and Upbringing
Foster parents bear responsibility for the child's daily needs:
- Meals, rest and sleep
- School transportation and supervision
- Supervision with homework and hobbies
- Minor medical care
- General educational choices
Authorities and Responsibilities
| Decision-Maker | Type of Decision |
|---|---|
| Foster Parents | Routine matters and house rules |
| Biological Parents/Guardian | Major choices: education, health, religion |
| Joint Decision | Travel, sports activities, major expenses |
Information Provision
Foster parents have access to essential information about:
- The child's history
- Health records
- Reasons for the placement
- The support plan
- Arrangements for parental contact
Veto Right after One Year
After twelve months of care, foster parents acquire veto right, which means:
- The child cannot be relocated without your consent
- You can prevent return to the parents
- In case of disagreement, the court decides
Guardianship as Foster Parent
For a long-term placement, you can apply for foster parent guardianship:
- More influence on major decisions
- Less interference from authorities
- The parents' parental authority is terminated
- Support remains accessible
Obligations of Foster Parents
- Adequately care for and raise the child
- Facilitate contact with biological parents
- Cooperate with the family guardian
- Provide updates on the child's development
- Comply with the care plan
Problems and Complaints
In case of conflicts or questions, 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 Office for Youth Care)
Can I go on vacation abroad with my foster child?
For a trip abroad, permission is required from the person with parental authority (parents or guardian). In case of a compulsory placement, the involved institution must also agree. Request this in good time.What happens if the parents demand the child back?
With veto right (after one year), you can prevent repatriation. The court determines what is in the best interest of the child. Without this right, parents usually have priority for repatriation.Is adoption of my foster child possible?
Adoption is possible in exceptional cases, but requires termination of the parents' parental authority. Consult your foster care supervisor about the options.Frequently Asked Questions
Which choices can I make as a foster parent?
You may decide on daily matters such as house rules, meals and free time. For major choices (such as school or medical treatments), permission is needed from the parents or guardian. Consult the family guardian in case of doubt.
How does the veto right work?
You automatically acquire this right after one year of care. The child cannot be relocated without your consent. In disputes, the court decides in the child's best interest.
Can I obtain guardianship over my foster child?
For long-term care, you can apply for foster parent guardianship, which provides more decision-making authority. The parents' parental authority then ends. Contact your supervisor for advice.
What if parents want to stop contact with the child?
Discuss this with your foster care supervisor and family guardian. Contact is often important, unless it is harmful to the child. In compulsory placements, the court decides.
Which data must I share with the family guardian?
You must provide updates on the child's development, such as school performance and health, to optimally tailor the care.