Flanders wants to approach the support of children and young people in a different, more integrated way. “Early” and “near” are the key terms in this new approach, according to Minister of Welfare Wouter Beke (CD&V). “It makes no sense to keep thinking in terms of capacity, waiting lists and compartmentalisation. It won’t work with just more of the same,” it sounds.
Beke wants “to bend the system towards children, young people and families. The challenge lies in their support, as early and as close as possible.” Numerous organizations and employees within the Flemish welfare and assistance landscape are involved on a daily basis to support children, young people and their families. However, it is no secret that improvements are needed in a number of areas. For example, children and young people do not always find the right support, they experience obstacles and thresholds, they suddenly see their support disappear, and so on.
Proper care and support
The minister starts from eight challenges. For example, it is important that help is close at hand, especially in the familiar environment of the children and young people. To avoid having to tell their story again and again, the new approach focuses more on the children and their families themselves. In addition, there will be a program counselor, a kind of central counselor who must act as the link between the family and the care providers.
Furthermore, it is of central importance to detect any problems or needs as early as possible in order to provide the right care and support as quickly as possible. The integrated approach not only emphasizes the importance of the first 1,000 days (from conception to the second birthday), but also strengthens prevention and early detection. “Early intervention often avoids later escalations,” is the reasoning.
Financing
The Flemish welfare sector is struggling with various waiting lists and capacity problems. However, Beke says that there will be continued investments. “But collaboration will become even more important, along with the optimal use of resources. This allows us to avoid duplication of work, duplication of waiting lists and duplication of funding,” it sounds.
The minister wants to involve experts from the professional field, academia and administrations in developing concrete proposals. The aim is to put this exercise in a concept note by mid-2022 and submit it to the Flemish government.
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