Family structures sought for foster care

Many unaccompanied minor asylum seekers (UMAs) need the security, warmth and attention of a family. For reception and accommodation in the framework of a foster family [OWG], we are searching for families/single people who are prepared to take children into care in their home for a short period or longer period.

Culture is important

Nidos wishes to place children as much as possible in families from their own culture or a related culture. We refer to these as culture families. In this way, children remain connected to their roots, while the family also forms a good bridge to society. The vast majority of the families are of foreign heritage.

Being able to deal with uncertainty

For many of the children, it is uncertain whether they will be able to stay in the Netherlands. Foster parents must be able to deal with these uncertainties and offer the child a solid base in order to be able to deal with this uncertain future. It is important that foster parents can support the youngster in this regard.

How do you become a foster parent?

If you are interested, you can contact one of the OWG employees. The employee will make an appointment with you in order to provide you with further information and to consider whether your family situation is suitable for fostering a child or more than one child who is/are under the guardianship of Nidos. In doing so, the employee will take account of your family composition, your financial capacity and your wishes.

Conditions for foster parents

Nidos is looking for families/single people who are willing to take in a youngster into care in their home for a short period or longer period. There is a strong preference for culture families. As a foster parent, you must be able to offer the youngster at least the following:

• protection and security;
• adequate care and education;
• contact with the family and/or culture;
• stimulation in the personal development.

In addition, it must be the case that:

• the foster parent can deal with an uncertain residence prospect integration or return;
• all the family members must support the placement;
• the living situation must be stable;
• cooperation with Nidos is a condition;
• a foster parent may not have committed a sexual offence or a violent crime;
• foster parents must be physically and mentally healthy enough to be able to take care of a youngster.

Certificate of no objection

In order to be eligible for foster care, a ‘Certificate of no objection’ [‘Verklaring geen bezwaar’] from the Childcare and Protection Board is required. For this purpose, research into the Criminal Records Register is needed. Once this Certificate has been issued and Nidos has carried out its research, you will be formally available as a foster family for Nidos. From that time, a youngster can be placed in your care.

 I am interested. What is the next procedure?

If you are interested, you will receive further information. If you then register, an appointment will be made for an informative meeting. You will be told about Nidos, the youngsters and foster parenting, and of course you can ask all your questions. If the feelings are positive on both sides, follow-up appointments will be made for the screening. If the screening is completed positively and the ‘Certificate of no objection’ has been issued by the Childcare and Protection Board, you will be officially included in the family register.

When can a child be placed?

Whether a child is placed with you quickly depends on the actual need, which can differ very much. It could be the case that there is no need or not yet a need.

 Are you interested?

If you are interested in foster parenting and you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Email: opvangouders@nidos.nl

Stichting Nidos
T.a.v. Opvang en Wonen in Gezinsverband
PO box 13021
3507 LA Utrecht
Telephone number: 0885011200