As a foster parent in Utrecht, you have certain rights and responsibilities. You are responsible for the daily care of the child, while parental authority often remains with the biological parents or a guardian. Over time, your rights may increase.
Daily Care in Utrecht
Foster parents bear the responsibility for the child's daily needs:
- Food, rest and sleep
- School transport and support
- Supervision for hobbies and leisure time
- Minor medical care and attention
- Educational choices for the day
Decision-Making Authority and Parental Authority
| Who decides | Type of decisions |
|---|---|
| Foster parents | Daily matters and house rules |
| Biological parents/guardian | Important choices: education, health, religion |
| Consult together | Travel, sports activities, major expenses |
Right to Information for Foster Parents
As a foster parent in Utrecht, you have the right to essential information about:
- The child's history
- Health records
- Reasons for the placement
- The support plan
- Arrangements regarding parental contact
Veto Right after One Year
After one year of care in Utrecht, you obtain the veto right, which means:
- The child cannot be removed without your consent
- You can prevent the child from returning to the parents
- In case of disagreement, the judge in Utrecht decides
Applying for Foster Guardianship
For a long-term placement, you can apply for foster guardianship in Utrecht:
- More influence on important choices
- Less interference from organisations
- Parental authority is terminated
- Support remains accessible
Responsibilities of Foster Parents
- Provide good care and upbringing
- Facilitate contact with biological parents
- Cooperate with the family guardian
- Provide updates on the child's development
- Comply with the support plan
Complaints and Conflicts in Utrecht
In case of problems, you can contact:
- Your foster care contact person
- The complaints office of your foster care organisation
- The Children's Ombudsman
- The AKJ (Advice and Complaints Office for Youth Care) in Utrecht
Can I go on holiday abroad with my foster child?
For this, you must obtain permission from the person with parental authority (parents or guardian). In the case of a compulsory placement, approval from the accredited institution in Utrecht is also required. Apply for this in good time.What if the parents want the child back in Utrecht?
With the veto right (after 1 year), you can block repatriation. The judge in Utrecht determines what is in the best interest of the child. Without this right, parents often have priority for repatriation.Is adoption of my foster child possible?
Adoption is possible in some situations, but it is a drastic step. The parental authority must then have been terminated. Consult with your foster care supervisor in Utrecht about the options.Frequently Asked Questions about Foster Care in Utrecht
Which choices can I make as a foster parent?
You may decide on daily matters such as house rules, meals, sleep and leisure time. For important matters (such as school choice or medical treatments), permission from the parents or guardian is required. In case of uncertainty, consult with the family guardian in Utrecht.
How does the veto right work and how do I obtain it?
After one year of care, you automatically receive the veto right, without application. This means that the child cannot be moved without your permission. In disputes, the judge in Utrecht decides on the child's best interest.
Can I apply for guardianship over my foster child?
For a long-term placement, you can apply for foster guardianship in Utrecht. This gives you more control over major decisions and less interference from authorities. Parental authority then ends, but guidance remains possible.
What if the parents no longer want contact with the child?
Discuss this with your foster care supervisor and the family guardian in Utrecht. Contact with parents is often crucial for the child, unless there are serious reasons to stop it. In compulsory placements, the judge decides.
Which data must I share with the family guardian?
You must regularly provide updates on the child's development, such as school results, behaviour and health, so that the family guardian in Utrecht can monitor well-being.
Legal Support in Utrecht
For legal questions or conflicts, you can go to:
- Rechtbank Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht, Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht