Collaboration Platform Young Carers The Hague

Education, municipalities, and welfare organizations are working together to improve the recognition, support, and resilience of young caregivers in The Hague, so they maintain equal opportunities at school and in life.

Centre of Expertise Health Innovation

mantelzorg

In The Hague, a significant group of young people are growing up with family responsibilities. They combine school, work, caregiving, and their own lives, putting them at increased risk of overload and dropout. Not all young caregivers are identified in a timely manner or adequately supported. The Young Caregivers Collaboration Platform The Hague brings together educational institutions, municipalities, and (welfare) organizations to collaborate on better recognition, appropriate support, and strengthening the resilience of young caregivers, so they experience the same opportunities and freedom as their peers without caregiving responsibilities.

Background

The Municipality of The Hague wants to strengthen support for informal caregivers, with a specific focus on young caregivers at risk of dropping out of school, experiencing mental health problems, and missing out on developmental opportunities. At the same time, schools and welfare organizations are seeking ways to better identify, reach, and support these young people. This collaborative platform was established in this context. The Relational Care research group, together with partners, is investigating how relational and supportive practices for young caregivers can be sustainably embedded in the city and education system.

Young caregivers deserve to be seen early and taken seriously. In this platform, we are combining knowledge, experience, and policy so they feel supported – at home, in the neighborhood, and at school. 

– Tsjitske Haanstra, lecturer-researcher

Goal

A sustainable, city-wide network ensures that young caregivers are identified early, supported effectively, and strengthened, ensuring that dropout and many other problems are prevented as much as possible.

Method

We conduct practice-based action research, combining various methodologies to achieve the ultimate goals: We gather knowledge about existing initiatives through literature, desk research, and qualitative research. We also conduct measurements and brainstorming sessions in educational institutions to better understand the needs of young caregivers and tailor support services to these needs. We also develop interventions to improve resilience and organize peer support activities. Besides action research, this project also focuses on network building, strategic policymaking, and governance.

Impact

The platform aims to help young caregivers feel seen and supported sooner, become less overburdened, and drop out of school less often or encounter serious problems. This gives them more space to shape their own dreams, talents, and future plans, comparable to their peers without caregiving responsibilities. Clear routes and resources are created for professionals to provide appropriate support. The research strengthens the connection between the research group, education, and municipal partners and contributes to relationally sensitive care and educational practices in The Hague.

Duration

This project runs from September 2025 to the end of August 2030.

Financing

Municipality of The Hague

Partners

Team

  • Researchers: Tsjitske Haanstra,  Marleen Eikelenboom Proost and Gwendell Foendoe Aubel.
  • Professor Relational Care: Yvonne van Zaalen

Contact

Would you like to learn more about the Young Caregivers Collaboration Platform research? Please contact Tsjitske Haanstra ([email protected]).