Foster care

Foster care is not implemented lightly. Most families first receive assistance when the child is still living with the parents. If this does not work sufficiently and the development and/or safety of the child is at risk, it may be decided that the child is (temporarily) going to live elsewhere.

Foster care can be resorted to for many different reasons. For example, because the parents are temporarily unable to cope with raising their children or due to illness. It is then better for the child (and often also for the parents) if the child temporarily lives with another family or occasionally stays with another family.

There are various types of foster care:

Crisis foster care – Short-term care in case of acute insecurity at home.

Short-term foster care – Temporary care (weeks to months) to find solutions.

Long-term foster care – For children who cannot live at home, until independence.

Weekend and holiday foster care – Temporary care to relieve the parents.

As a foster parent, you decide what kind of care you want to provide: weekends, holidays, short-term or long-term care. This makes it possible to combine foster care with your personal living and working situation.

As a foster parent, you provide a home for children who are living in difficult circumstances. Sometimes for a short period, sometimes for several months or longer. In principle, anyone aged 21 or older can become a foster parent. What matters is that you can offer a child structure, warmth, and security, but also respect for their parents. Together with them, and guided by Youth Care, you continue building the child's future.

There are a number of conditions that foster parents must meet:

• You are at least 21 years old;
• You can submit a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) every year.
• You receive a Declaration of No Objection (VGB) from the Guardianship Council CN. Youth Care applies for this declaration;
• You lend cooperation in a screening by Youth Care, consisting of informative conversations, interviews, and a home visit;
• You indicate who can be contacted for references. For example, at the school if you already have a child in primary school, or with family, friends, employer, etc. The information provided by referees is always discussed with you.
• You follow the preparatory ‘Step Training’ for prospective foster parents. This training course lasts six half-days, taking your working hours into account. In this training course, you learn more about various topics related to foster care, such as the background and development of foster children, attachment, behavioural issues, and contact with the biological parents.
• You are open to cooperation with Youth Care and offer support in the implementation of the care plan for your foster child.
• As part of the screening process for prospective foster parents, we conduct a school check. We focus exclusively on your involvement in the school of your child.

'I am a foster mother because our children are our future. Every seed we sow now can lead to a beautiful harvest. Some moments are more difficult than others, because of what my foster child has been through. But when I see her smile and how she can be herself, I remember why I do it'

Foster parents are not alone; Youth Care supports foster parents. The youth care professional works with you and the biological family to draw up an Action Plan for the child. The foster family plays an important role in this. The youth care professional is also the point of contact for parenting questions and supports you with practical matters. In case of specific problems, a child psychologist or child psychiatrist can offer specialised guidance.

Every year, Youth Care also organises training courses and meetings for foster parents on current topics in foster care. Three times a year, there is a "Foster Care Café" where foster parents share their experiences and gain new knowledge.

Foster care allowance

As a foster parent, you incur additional costs. That is why you receive a contribution towards the costs of caring for a foster child. This allowance is intended to cover all costs incurred in relation to the foster child. For example, for school supplies, food and beverages, sports, pocket money, and holidays. The amount of the allowance depends on the age of the foster child.

As a foster parent, you must meet certain conditions, such as providing a stable and secure environment, raising the child without violence, and helping the foster child develop a positive self-image. In addition, it is important that you communicate openly, positively, and clearly with others, work well with parents and social workers, and understand the impact of foster care on your own situation.

Although these conditions are essential, we understand that there may always be issues that require additional support or guidance. Youth Care is ready to support you in this and work with you to find solutions, so that you can provide a secure and caring environment for the foster child.

'I became a foster parent because I strongly felt that I wanted to care for a child. The biggest challenge is understanding the trauma that foster children have experienced. That requires patience. But when I see their self-confidence grow and my foster child feeling better about themselves, that is a great reward for me.'