Support for Young People at School Due to Their Home Situation

Teens will receive help more quickly at school if they’re facing problems at home. Are you dealing with violence or abuse at home? Starting this school year, you’ll receive help more quickly at your high school. This program is called “Handle with Care.” It’s already working well in elementary schools. Now it’s being rolled out to all 21 high schools in Parkstad.

Photo of the front of Grotius College

Handle with Care makes sure your school knows when you need extra support. This happens if the police have visited your home due to violence or abuse. Your school will then be notified that you could use some extra attention. They won’t be told exactly what happened at home.

How does it work?

  1. The police will come to your home in cases of violence or abuse
  2. The police have observed that a young person between the ages of 12 and 17 lives there
  3. Veilig Thuis receives a report
  4. Veilig Thuis is assessing whether Handle with Care can help
  5. Your school will be notified that you could use some extra support
  6. A mentor or coach at school can help you

Alderman Timoer Reijnders explains:

"A child who experiences something difficult at home brings those worries to school. With Handle with Care, a mentor knows that a student needs extra attention. Sometimes, just having someone listen is enough. That’s how we ensure that young people get help more quickly."

Who is collaborating?

  • All municipalities in Parkstad
  • GGD Zuid-Limburg (Veilig Thuis)
  • All high schools in Parkstad
  • Parkstad Office for Learning and Advancement

Handle with Care ensures that you're not alone when something bad happens at home. School can be a safe place. This reduces stress and helps prevent problems down the road. That way, you can focus on learning and personal growth again.