New Flemish Youth Care, from new decree to innovative practice

Through qualitative case studies, we learned more about the perspective of adolescents, parents and professionals in the Flemish youth care system. Adolescents and their parents had many recommendations to the youth care system. They encourage professionals to invest in good level quality youthcare in acting, not just in words. They ask youthcare to be more strenght- and demand-oriented and to have more participation in decisionmaking.

Research theme: Participation in practice

Field of interest: Education; People and Society

Duration: 31/12/2013 - 31/12/2014

Financing: PWO

Through qualitative case studies the needs of young people, parents, Pupil’s Guidance Centers and other child service partners were mapped. Sixteen young people and six parents gave their experiences and perspective on the main lines of the new decree Youth Care:

socialisation of care;
in time access to youth care;
guaranteeing continuity in youth care;
adequate assessment in cases of risk;
offering care in cases of crisis;
maximum participation in youth care.

Three focus groups of professionals reflected on the interviews. They also shared their practice, their actions and their dreams.

We have gained insight into what is already happening and what is still needed to achieve a better level of youth care, also in acting - and not just in words. Parents and youngsters gave recommendations to both field workers and policymakers.

Even though professionals and policy makers strive to achieve a socialised youth care, parents express that this is already a reality for them. But that the burden is too much on them and the family. They need more support. And if professionals work strength-oriented, they should show a genuinely concerned attitude.

Who decides what is an important issue. Parents and youngsters want to participate and decide on what level: be informed until make decisions by themselves.

Youth care should be demand-oriented. But although there are attempts, clients experience the care still as supply-oriented. Also, the used methods are too verbal and passive.

And there are also a lot of complaints of the procedures, waiting lists. It is as if procedures and structures are dominant and prior to the right care at the right time and place. They ask for an emphatic, sensitive professional who is there for them, who keeps them company all the way. To them this makes a significant difference.

We could reveal good practices but also elements to change in order to achieve the goals of the new Flemish youth care.

Results are bundled in the brochure Truth, dare or do? (only in Dutch).