Help for a child with a disability and the family

Caring for a child with a disability often places a heavy burden on the whole family. It helps when there is support for you together, including for the people around the child. There is help for your child, for care at home, for brothers and sisters, and sometimes financial support too.

What falls under the Youth Act?

A child under 18 with a disability or illness receives help through Meerpunt in Zoetermeer. For some forms of support you pay a personal contribution; the amount is listed at the CAK.

How do you apply for youth support?

If you care for a child with a disability, the support goes through Meerpunt, the center for youth and family in Zoetermeer. The municipality refers youth there, including for overnight care or guidance. For some forms of support you pay a personal contribution; the amount is listed at the CAK.

If you want help with the application, you can go to independent client support for free. They also help with questions about the right care. An application for youth support requires an assessment of the situation.

What support is there for care at home or respite care?

With intensive care at home, Mantelzorg Zoetermeer can think along about support for the whole family. A Network of Integrated Child Care in your region can also help. There you can look for support that fits the care at home.

Ask the pediatric nurse to write down which professional care is needed. Also include what you do voluntarily. Note who the backup person is. You do not have to take over a nursing task if you do not want to or cannot do so safely.

Respite care can temporarily create space for the family. Discuss what support the child needs, what medical procedures are involved, and how the handover is arranged. Also discuss with the treatment team who the main contact person is and what respite care is available.

What help is there for brothers, sisters, and young carers?

If you are a brother or sister of someone with a disability or illness, you can contact Mantelzorg Zoetermeer with your questions. There are also special sibling groups and courses. There you can share experiences with peers.

For young carers, there are special activities and a dedicated appreciation in Zoetermeer. These activities can provide relaxation, recognition, and contact with peers. School, the general practitioner, or a youth professional can also help think along if the home situation affects well-being or education.

If you grow up with a lot of care at home, the Child Helpline, a mentor or study adviser, or Mantelzorg Zoetermeer can help. Questions about the illness can be asked to your general practitioner.

What financial support can help?

In Zoetermeer there are schemes if you have a low income. The ZoetermeerPas gives discounts on activities, sports, and culture. It is for households with an income up to 120% of the social assistance standard.

For children up to 18 years old, there is the Child Package via Stichting Leergeld. This is for things such as school supplies, a bicycle, or swimming lessons. For special, necessary costs, you can apply for special assistance. If you are struggling financially or have debts, there is free help with money matters and debt assistance.

With intensive care for a child living at home, double child benefit can help with the higher costs. You can receive this if your child is 3 years or older, but not yet 18. If your child receives care under the Long-Term Care Act (Wlz), you often automatically receive the double child benefit since 1 July 2024.

What can you do if you are unsure where to apply for help?

If you do not know which scheme applies, ask. Someone will help you on your way. For independent advice about the right care, or help with an application, you can also go to independent client support for free.

For a child under 18, youth support goes through Meerpunt in Zoetermeer. For financial schemes, apply through your municipality. For care at home or intensive care, Mantelzorg Zoetermeer can think along.