Municipalities not ready for child welfare support

Almost half the municipalities doubt they will be able to adequately help youth in the youth care system with the funds made available by the government, reveals a survey from 'de Volkskrant' among 158 of the 400 municipalities. One fifth states they will not be able to accomplish the task. The Association of Dutch Municipalities insists the local boards will be able to provide care for vulnerable children.

The municipalities don't share that optimism. About 200,000 youth deal with problems, such as autism or other challenges, that can not be prevented, according to children's ombudsman, Marc Dullaert. Many of the municipalities try to make cuts now to contain potential problems later, "but you can't always do that", according to Dullaert. Starting next year the municipalities will be responsible for youth care, instead of being coordinated on a provincial level. At the same time the government implements a 15 percent cut in the budget.