Guardianship and Temporary Placement in International Child Matters in Westland
In Westland, with its diverse community of horticulture families and recent asylum flows, guardianship differs from adoption and serves as an interim form for crisis placement or unaccompanied asylum children. This is regulated in the Youth Act and the Hague Child Abduction Convention, with close cooperation between local youth care and the Council for Child Protection in The Hague.
Legal Frameworks in Westland
- Youth Act art. 36-41 (guardianship), applied via Municipality of Westland.
- Hague Guardianship Convention 1996.
- Civil Code Book 1, art. 1:251-257, with reference to the regional court in The Hague.
Guardianship Procedure in Westland
- Appointment of guardians: District Court The Hague appoints, often with input from Westland foster families.
- Temporary placement: Max. 2 years, extendable; local centres in Naaldwijk provide accommodation.
- Transition to adoption: Possible after screening by Safe at Home Westland.
Differences with Adoption
| Aspect | Guardianship | Adoption |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Temporary | Permanent |
| Biological rights | Remain in existence | Terminated |
Specifically applicable to refugee children in Westland, where CA-IKA collaborates with Municipality of Westland and COA. Costs lower: €5,000-€15,000, with subsidies via provincial youth funds.