Working visit to health clinic focused on youth policy
Ronald Zoutendijk, Alderman , paid a working visit to the Youth Health Care (JGZ) clinic on Rijksstraatweg in Wassenaar on Thursday, February 5. The visit focused on the recently adopted local youth policy, in which the municipality is committed to providing a strong foundation for all children, young people, and families. During the visit, the role of JGZ in the implementation of the local youth policy was discussed.
During the working visit, the Alderman the importance of cooperation between the JGZ, the JGZ's chain partners in the youth and health sector, and the municipality. He said the following: "The working visit provided valuable insight into the daily practice of the consultation office and the way in which youth health care works to give children a healthy start in life. During the discussion, it became clear how important their role is in local youth and health policy. The insights we have gained will help us to further strengthen cooperation and to better align our policy with the needs of children, young people, and families in Wassenaar."
Role of youth health care
The JGZ's core legal task is to promote, protect, and safeguard the health and development of young people. In this role, the JGZ offers preventive Health children and young people, including through regular health checks, vaccinations, parenting support, and health education. The JGZ sees virtually all parents and their children. This takes place in the period from the months before the child's birth until the age of 19, enabling health and developmental problems to be identified at an early stage. In addition to its legally defined basic tasks, JGZ provides additional services that enable it to respond to specific target groups and local issues.
Themes from youth policy in practice
During the tour and the subsequent discussion with professionals, various themes from youth policy were addressed. Topics included identifying educational disadvantages in young children, recognizing health risks, and how parents are supported with parenting questions. The principles of youth policy, such as strengthening the social and educational foundation, normalizing parenting questions, and making facilities accessible, formed the framework for this discussion.
The JGZ is also a covenant partner of the Wassenaar Social Team. This strengthens the connection between physical, mental, and social health and promotes integrated cooperation within the social domain.
Jamal Tchiche, regional manager of Youth Health Care South Holland West, adds: "We are pleased with the clear course that the municipality has set with its youth policy. The focus on a strong foundation and timely support for families is very much in line with how we work in youth health care."
Continuation and implementation of youth policy
With the insights gained from the working visit, the municipality is continuing to work on the implementation of youth policy and on a coherent approach that is well aligned with the needs of residents. More information about local youth policy can be found at: www.wassenaar.nl/lokaal-jeugdbeleid.
