The Child Protection Board is a government agency that in Utrecht and beyond checks whether children are growing up in a safe environment and advises the judge on protective measures and custody matters.
What does the Board do?
The Child Protection Board has three core activities:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Safety of children | Checking whether a protective measure is necessary |
| Divorce issues | Providing advice on contact arrangements and custody after a divorce |
| Youth criminality | Guidance and advice regarding juvenile suspects |
When does the Board intervene?
- When there are doubts about a child's safety (via Safe at Home)
- In case of disagreement between parents about children after a divorce
- If a young person has committed a criminal offence
- For requests to change custody
- At the request of a judge for advice on custody
How does a Board investigation proceed?
During a Board investigation:
- The Board collects data from all involved parties
- Conducts interviews with parents, the child, schools and support services
- Thoroughly analyses the situation
- Prepares an advice report for the judge
Cooperating with the investigation
Cooperating with an investigation is not mandatory, but:
- Refusal may have adverse consequences
- The Board can still formulate advice based on available data
- The judge may take your refusal into account in the decision
Your rights during the process
- You have the right to clear information about the investigation
- You may share your side of the story
- You can view the draft report and have inaccuracies corrected
- You have the right to support from a lawyer or trusted person
What is the duration of a Board investigation?
An average investigation takes approximately 12 weeks. In urgent cases, this can be faster; in complex situations, longer.Can I view the Board's report?
Yes, you receive the report before it is sent to the judge. You can have factual errors corrected and add a written response.What if I do not accept the advice?
You can submit your objections to the judge, who makes an independent decision. You can appeal against the judgment.Frequently asked questions
What is the role of the Child Protection Board?
The Board investigates the circumstances of children when there are concerns about their well-being and provides advice to the judge on protective measures.
When is the Board involved?
Upon signals of child abuse, neglect or in divorces where parents cannot reach agreement about the children.
What happens in a Board investigation?
The Board conducts interviews with those involved and prepares an advice report for the judge or support services.
Can I challenge the Board's advice?
You can share your opinion with the judge, who is not obliged to follow the advice and decides independently.
What is the average duration of an investigation?
A standard investigation takes about 3 months, but may take longer in complex cases.
Summary
The Child Protection Board investigates risks to children and supports the judge with advice on their safety and well-being.
Key points
- Checks the safety of children
- Advises on protective measures
- Investigation lasts on average 3 months
- Judge makes the final decision
Relevant locations in Utrecht:
District Court Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1
Legal Aid Office Utrecht, Catharijnesingel 55