Youth aid and turning 18
The youth assistance that Zoetermeer residents receive from the municipality falls under the Youth Act. This law applies to young people from 0 to 18 years of age. Only in a few cases can care be used until the age of 23 under the Youth Act. If help or support remains necessary after the age of 18, this is arranged under the Social Support Act (Wmo), the Health Insurance Act (Zvw) or the Long-Term Care Act (Wlz).
Youth aid providers are responsible for assisting their clients in the transition around the age of 18. The municipality makes agreements about this with the youth aid providers. The diagram below provides more information about the different forms of help or support, the laws that apply to them and to whom this help or support can be requested.
Wondering what else a youth needs to take care of before their eighteenth birthday? Check out the checklist.
Need help?
Ask your current guidance counselor or social worker to help. You can also drop in - without an appointment - at the Youth Information Point (JIP). Check the JIP website for the address and opening hours.
| Type of help | Description | Arrange through (possibly through current care provider) | Legislation |
| Guidance at home | For example: - Home counseling - Day care - Short-term stay - Domestic help - Home modifications - Assistive Technology |
The municipality (Wmo or Youth and Family Assistance) | Wmo |
| Continuous 24-hour care or supervision | For example, for people with severe intellectual, physical or sensory disabilities. | The CIZ(www.ciz.nl) | Wlz |
| Psychiatric treatment (GGZ) | For example: inpatient and outpatient admission and treatment | GP | Zvw |
| Protective living environment | Shelter and counseling for persons with mental illness | The municipality (Wmo or Youth and Family Aid) | Wmo |
| Personal care or nursing care | For example: help getting up, dressing, showering, going to the toilet, wound care or helping with injections. | General practitioner and/or health insurance company | Zvw |
| Residence in a substitute family situation | For long-term stays in foster care, it has been nationally agreed that this can continue until age 21. | The municipality (Youth and Family Services) | Youth Act |