Foster care means that a child stays in another family for a short or longer period. The foster parents take on the daily care, while the biological parents often retain parental authority.
When is foster care needed?
Foster care can be used in situations such as:
- An unsafe home situation for a certain period
- Parents who, due to personal circumstances, cannot care for their child (for example, due to illness or an emergency)
- A child that requires specific care or guidance
- In the context of child protection (supervision order or out-of-home placement)
Types of foster care in Rijswijk
| Type | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Crisis foster care | Acute accommodation in an emergency | Maximum 4 weeks |
| Temporary foster care | Accommodation with the aim of return to the parents | Often less than 2 years |
| Long-term foster care | Permanent upbringing by foster parents | Until adulthood |
| Part-time care | Accommodation during weekends or school holidays | Flexible |
| Kinship foster care | Accommodation by acquaintances, such as family members or friends | Varies |
Who plays a role in foster care?
Various parties are involved in foster care in Rijswijk:
- Biological parents: Often retain parental authority and decide on important matters
- Foster parents: Responsible for daily upbringing and care
- Foster care institution: Provides support to foster parents
- Accredited institution: Supervises in cases of supervision orders
- Municipality of Rijswijk: Responsible for funding under the Youth Act
Financial compensation for foster parents
Foster parents in Rijswijk receive compensation for the child's costs:
- A basic amount for daily care and upbringing
- Extra allowances in special circumstances
- Child benefit is paid to foster parents
Rights of foster parents in Rijswijk
- Support and guidance from a foster care organisation
- Access to relevant information about the child
- Objection right after long-term placement (refusal of return placement)
- Co-determination in important decisions after one year
What distinguishes foster care from adoption?
In foster care, the biological parents generally remain the legal parents, whereas in adoption, the adoptive parents become fully legally responsible and the bond with the original parents is severed. Foster care is often temporary, adoption permanent.Do parents stay in contact with their child during foster care?
In most cases, yes. A visitation arrangement is established, often with the aim of making return home possible. In long-term foster care, contact may however be limited.What if parents want their child back?
This is carefully examined. In voluntary foster care, parents have the right to return placement, provided it is safe. In involuntary placement, the court decides, often via the District Court of The Hague. Foster parents can exercise their objection right after one year.Frequently asked questions about foster care in Rijswijk
How can I become a foster parent in Rijswijk?
You can register via a foster care organisation or the Municipality of Rijswijk. A screening process follows with home visits and training, which takes on average 3 to 6 months. You receive guidance and compensation.
What is the monthly compensation for foster parents?
The basic compensation varies between €900 and €1,200 per month, depending on the child's age and needs. In addition, you receive child benefit and possibly extra allowances for special care. This compensation is tax-free.
Can foster parents refuse return placement?
After one year, foster parents have an objection right, with which they can refuse return placement if it is not in the child's best interest. In involuntary placement, the court decides on the situation.
What rights do biological parents have?
Parents often retain parental authority and have the right to information and input on important matters such as education and health. A visitation arrangement is agreed, unless the court decides otherwise.
What happens when a foster child turns 18?
Upon reaching the age of majority, the formal foster care arrangement ends, but many foster families remain involved with the child.
Contact and support in Rijswijk:
For legal questions about foster care, you can go to the Legal Counter Rijswijk. For court cases regarding foster care, Rijswijk falls under the jurisdiction of the District Court of The Hague.