Guardianship and Temporary Placement in International Child Matters in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, with its large population of asylum seekers and refugee children, guardianship differs from adoption and serves as an interim form in crisis placements. This is regulated in the Youth Act and the Hague Child Abduction Convention, with specific application via the Council for Child Protection Amsterdam and Amsterdam youth care institutions.
Legal Frameworks in Amsterdam Context
- Youth Act art. 36-41 (guardianship), applied by District Court Amsterdam.
- Hague Guardianship Convention 1996.
- Civil Code Book 1, art. 1:251-257, with local protocols for IJmond- and Amstelveen matters.
Guardianship Procedure in Amsterdam
- Appointment of guardians: District Court Amsterdam appoints foster or guardianship families from the local network.
- Temporary placement: Maximum 2 years in Amsterdam reception, extendable via CA-IKA Amsterdam.
- Transition to adoption: Possible after extensive screening by GGD Amsterdam and child protection.
Differences with Adoption
| Aspect | Guardianship | Adoption |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Temporary, with local monitoring | Full-time and permanent |
| Biological rights | Remain in existence | Terminated |
In Amsterdam this is crucial for refugee children from Ter Apel or Schiphol reception. The Central Authority International Child Matters (CA-IKA) in The Hague collaborates with Amsterdam authorities such as the District Youth Desk. Costs are lower: €5,000-€15,000, with subsidies via the municipality for local placements.