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Youth aid

Is your child having difficulties at home or at school? Or are you worried about your child? You’re not on your own. There are various places you can turn to for advice and support.

Help for children, young people and their parents or carers Support via POH Youth Youth aid through the municipality Assessment of learning and developmental difficulties

Help for children, young people and their parents or carers

Are you concerned about your child’s wellbeing, behaviour or development? If so, it’s good to know that help is available in Amstelveen, Aalsmeer, Uithoorn and Ouder-Amstel for children and young people up to the age of 18. You, as a parent or carer, can also get help.

There are two ways to get help:

  1. Through your GP and the Youth GP Practice Support Worker (POH Jeugd)
    This is a simple and free service to help with any questions you may have about your feelings or parenting. You can often access this service through your GP practice.
  2. Through the local council
    Do you need further or specialised support? If so, you can contact your local council’s social services office. Together, you can work out what support is best for you.

Which method is best depends on your situation. Sometimes you can use both methods at the same time. In that case, the local authority and your GP will work together to provide you with the best possible support.

More about the POH youth programme

The Youth POH works at the GP practice. This person helps children and young people aged 0 to 18 and their parents. You can go there for support with emotions, behaviour or questions about parenting and growing up.

 

1. What does a practice support worker (POH) do?

  • Your young child sleeps badly or still wets the bed;
  • Your school-aged child has fear of failure or difficulty keeping up in class;
  • Your adolescent struggles with anxiety, gloom or troublesome behaviour;
  • You are looking for help dealing with divorce and what it means for your child.

2. What can you consult the POH about?

You’ll visit the GP’s surgery. During the first consultation, you’ll discuss what’s going on. The Youth Practice Nurse will ask questions to get a clear picture of the situation. Sometimes a few consultations are enough. Young people aged 12 and over can also get help online via Minddistrict. If further support is needed, the Youth Practice Nurse will work with the GP to arrange a referral to the appropriate service.

3. What does an appointment with the youth practice nurse involve?

Call your GP practice to make an appointment. Let them know that you would like help from the Youth Healthcare Assistant. You will often have a consultation with your GP first. You will then be referred if necessary.

Please note: Not every GP practice employs a Youth Practice Nurse. Check with your own practice to find out what options are available.

4. Request an appointment with the Youth Practice Nurse

Youth aid through the municipality

Sometimes you may need more help or more complex support. In that case, you can contact your local council. They can provide various types of support, such as:

  • Advice on parenting problems
  • In-home counselling to families for various problems
  • Help with psychological and behavioural problems
  • Foster care
  • Living or staying in a youth facility
  • Help for young people with disabilities (participation, self-reliance)

Request help

You can request assistance via the your local council’s social services desk. You can also be referred by your GP, youth health doctor or specialist. Sometimes you can contact a youth support organisation that has an agreement with the local authority yourself.

Assessment of learning and developmental difficulties

Sometimes the school or a professional may advise you to have your child assessed, for example if they are having difficulties with learning, attention or behaviour. It is important to know how to go about this.

  • Dyslexia assessment: For primary school children, the school arranges this. Parents do not have to pay for it themselves. For secondary school pupils, parents must pay for this test themselves. You do not need a referral for this.
  • Dyscalculia assessment: This test is not usually covered by health insurance. Parents have to pay for it themselves. No referral is required for this either.
  • ADHD research: If a school has concerns about a child’s concentration or behaviour, an assessment may be required. This is usually arranged through the local authority. The process varies from one local authority to another. Sometimes you start by contacting the social services helpdesk or the neighbourhood team.

Are you unsure what to do? Discuss this with your GP or the Youth Healthcare Assistant. They’ll think things through with you and help you find the right support.