As a foster parent in Leiden, you have certain rights and obligations. You are responsible for the child's daily care, while parental authority often remains with the biological parents or a guardian. Over time, your rights may increase.
Daily Care and Upbringing
Foster parents are responsible for the child's daily needs:
- Food, rest and shelter
- School supervision and transport
- Supervision of hobbies and leisure time
- Minor medical care
- General educational choices
Authorities and Parental Authority
| Who decides | Type of decisions |
|---|---|
| Foster parents | Routine matters and house rules |
| Biological parents/guardian | Important choices: education, health, religion |
| Jointly | Travel, sports activities, major expenses |
Right to Information
Foster parents are entitled to receive information about:
- The child's history
- Health information
- Reasons for the placement
- The care and support plan
- Contact moments with the parents
Right of Veto after One Year
After twelve months of care, foster parents acquire the right of veto, which means:
- The child cannot be moved without your consent
- You can object to return to the parents
- In case of disagreement, the court decides
Guardianship by Foster Parents
In the case of a long-term placement, it is possible to apply for guardianship:
- More influence on important decisions
- Less interference from external parties
- The parental authority of the parents is terminated
- Support remains accessible
Obligations of Foster Parents
- Raise and care for the child lovingly
- Facilitate contact with the biological parents
- Cooperate with the family guardian
- Provide updates on the child's development
- Respect the care plan
Problems and Complaints
In case of disputes or dissatisfaction, you can contact:
- Your contact person at foster care
- The complaints department of the foster care institution
- The Children's Ombudsman
- The AKJ (Advice and Complaints Bureau for Youth Care)
Can I go on holiday abroad with my foster child?
Approval is required from the person with parental authority (parents or guardian). In the case of a compulsory placement, the involved institution must also agree. Request this in good time.What if the parents demand the child back?
With the right of veto (after 1 year), you can prevent repatriation. The court then decides what is in the best interest of the child. Without this right, parents often have priority for return.Is adoption of my foster child possible?
Adoption is possible in exceptional cases, but requires that the parental authority of the parents has been terminated. Consult your foster care contact person about this.Frequently Asked Questions
Which choices can I make as a foster parent myself?
You may arrange everyday matters, such as house rules, meals and leisure activities. For major issues (such as school choice or medical treatments), permission from the parents or guardian is required. Consult the family guardian in case of doubt.
How does the right of veto work exactly?
You automatically acquire this right after one year of care. It means that the child cannot be moved without your consent. In a dispute over repatriation, the court makes the decision.
Can I apply for guardianship over my foster child?
Yes, in the case of a long placement, you can apply for foster parent guardianship, which gives you more say and limits interference from agencies. This terminates the parental authority of the parents. Consult your supervisor.
What if the parents no longer want contact with the child?
Discuss this with your foster care supervisor and the family guardian. Contact is often essential for the child, unless it is harmful. In compulsory placements, the court decides.
Which updates must I share with the family guardian?
You must regularly provide information on the child's progress, such as school results and well-being.
Relevant Agencies in Leiden:
- District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location
- Legal Aid Office Leiden, Stationsweg 46