The Kitchen Table Conversation with the Municipality of Delft

The Kitchen Table Conversation with the Municipality of Delft

The kitchen table conversation is a friendly home visit by consultants from the Municipality of Delft to assess your personal circumstances and care needs in Delft. This often occurs in connection with applications for assistance, care, or benefits under laws such as the Wmo 2015 or Participation Act. The conversation takes place at your kitchen table and explores your daily life in the city, enabling the municipality to make a tailored decision.

What does a kitchen table conversation in Delft involve?

A kitchen table conversation in Delft is not a formal interrogation, but an equal-footed discussion. A consultant from the Municipality of Delft visits you at home to discuss your daily life: what challenges do you face in Delft? What do you manage on your own? What local social network do you have? This supports assessments for matters such as household help, guidance, mobility aids, or benefits.

The concept aims to strengthen the bond between Delft residents and the municipality. Instead of a distant visit to the town hall, the consultant comes to your home environment. This builds on free client support, where an independent helper from Delft can assist you, for example via the Legal Aid Office Delft.

Legal basis for the kitchen table conversation

The kitchen table conversation is enshrined in various social laws:

• Wmo 2015: Article 2.6(1) requires the assessment of social support to take place "preferably at the kitchen table." The Municipality of Delft draws up a plan based on this (art. 2.7 Wmo 2015).
• Participation Act: Article 17 describes the participation assessment, usually via such a conversation.
• Youth Act: Article 2.4 requires an assessment of upbringing and development, ideally at home.
• Long-Term Care Act (Wlz): The CIZ conducts similar intake interviews (art. 2.1.3 Wlz).

These rules require a "client-centered" approach by the Municipality of Delft. Refusal may jeopardize your application, but alternatives are possible if a home visit is not feasible, such as during corona or for personal reasons in Delft.

Practical examples from Delft

Take Ms. Jansen (65) from Delft city center, who applies for Wmo assistance with cleaning due to mobility issues. In the kitchen table conversation, she shares her loneliness, struggles with housework, and occasional family visits. The consultant notes the situation and approves 4 hours of help per week.

Or Mr. De Vries (45) from Delft-Zuid, applying for a social assistance benefit. The conversation reveals addiction and debt; the consultant not only arranges the benefit but also referrals to local debt counseling and reintegration services.

For Youth Act applications for therapy, the consultant visits families in Delft to speak with parents and child about school and home life.

Rights and obligations in Delft

Rights:

• Bring a trusted person or client supporter (free via Legal Aid Office Delft or MEE).
• Refuse a home visit and opt for an appointment at the Delft Town Hall.
• Access to the report (GDPR right).
• Object to the decision (art. 7:1 Awb), possibly at the District Court of The Hague.

Obligations:

• Provide full and honest answers; incorrect information may lead to recovery (art. 70 Participation Act).
• Cooperate with solutions.

Comparison: kitchen table conversation versus office appointment in Delft

Preparing for your conversation in Delft

Prepare with these tips for the Municipality of Delft:

1. List problems, needs, and your own efforts, specific to your life in Delft.
2. Gather documents: bills, medical papers, income proofs.
3. Seek free help via Legal Aid Office Delft or client support.
4. Practice sensitive topics such as finances or addiction.

After the kitchen table conversation in Delft

The consultant prepares a report and decides within 6 weeks (Wmo) or 8 weeks (Participation Act). You receive it in writing. Disagree? File an objection within 6 weeks. See also objection and appeal or Wmo application.

Frequently asked questions about Delft