Guardianship and Temporary Placement in International Child Matters in Delft
In Delft, guardianship offers a temporary solution for authority over children in crisis situations or for asylum seekers, as an alternative to adoption. This is regulated via the Youth Act and international conventions, with retention of parents' biological rights. Local authorities such as the Youth Care Team of the municipality of Delft coordinate this for vulnerable children in the region.
Legal Frameworks in Delft
- Youth Act arts. 36-41 (guardianship).
- Hague Guardianship Convention 1996.
- Civil Code Book 1, arts. 1:251-257.
- Regional application via District Court of The Hague, Midden-Holland district (Delft).
Guardianship Procedure in Delft
- Appointment of guardians: District Court of The Hague (Delft location) appoints guardians after advice from Safe at Home Delft.
- Temporary placement: Maximum 2 years in foster families or institutions in Delft, extendable with approval.
- Transition to adoption: Possible after extensive screening by the Child Protection Board Delft region.
Differences with Adoption
| Aspect | Guardianship | Adoption |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Temporary | Permanent |
| Biological rights | Remain in existence | Terminated |
| Supervision in Delft | Annual evaluation by municipality | One-time judicial |
Specifically useful for refugee children in Delft, where CA-IKA collaborates with the AZC Delft and local youth assistance. Costs are relatively low: €5,000-€15,000, with subsidies via the municipality for placement in the region.