Foster care means that a child is placed in another family for a short or longer period. The foster parents take on the daily care, while the legal parents often retain their role as parents.
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 (such as illness or a crisis), are unable to provide care
- A child that requires specific care or guidance
- In the context of child protection, such as supervision order (OTS) or out-of-home placement
Types of foster care
| Type | Characteristics | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency care | Quick accommodation in a crisis situation | Maximum 4 weeks |
| Temporary care | Provisional placement with the aim of return to parents | Often less than 2 years |
| Long-term foster care | Permanent upbringing by foster parents | Until majority |
| Part-time care | Accommodation during weekends or school holidays | Flexible |
| Kinship foster care | Placement with known persons (family or friends) | Variable |
Who is involved in foster care?
Various parties are involved in foster care:
- Biological parents: Often retain parental authority and decide on important matters
- Foster parents: Responsible for daily care and upbringing
- Foster care agency: Supports and guides foster parents
- Accredited institution: Supervises in case of OTS and coordinates
- Municipality of Leiden: Responsible for funding under the Youth Act
Financial compensation for foster parents
Foster parents receive a monthly allowance for the child's costs:
- A basic amount for daily care and upbringing
- Extra supplements for special needs
- Child benefit is paid to foster parents
Rights of foster parents
- Support and guidance from the 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
How does foster care differ from adoption?
In foster care, the biological parents often remain legally responsible. In adoption, the adoptive parents take over this role completely and the legal bond with the original parents is terminated. Foster care is usually temporary, while adoption is permanent.Do parents stay in contact with their child during foster care?
In most cases, yes. A contact arrangement is drawn up, often with the aim of possible return to the parents. 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 are in principle entitled to the return of their child. In involuntary placement, the court decides. Foster parents can exercise their objection right after one year.Frequently asked questions about foster care in Leiden
How can I become a foster parent in Leiden?
You can register via a foster care organisation or the municipality of Leiden. A screening process follows with home visits and training, followed by matching. This process usually takes 3 to 6 months. Foster parents receive guidance and financial compensation.
What is the monthly compensation for foster parents?
The compensation varies between €900 and €1,200 per month, depending on the age and needs of the child. In addition, foster parents receive child benefit and any extra supplements for special care. This compensation is tax-free.
Can foster parents refuse to return a child?
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 voluntary foster care, parents can request their child back, but the foster care organisation assesses the safety. In involuntary placement, the court decides.
What are the rights of biological parents in foster care?
Parents often retain their parental authority and have the right to information about their child. They participate in decisions on important matters such as education and medical care. A visitation arrangement is established, unless the court decides otherwise. Parents receive help to improve the home situation.
What happens when a foster child turns 18?
Upon reaching the age of majority, the official foster care ends, but in many cases the contact with the foster family continues on an informal basis.
Contact and support in Leiden
For legal questions about foster care, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden (Stationsweg 46). For matters that come before the court, such as involuntary placements, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location is competent.
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