The Netherlands' 2024 Biennial report on the implementation of the Child Guarantee – an overview
Three years after the adoption of the European Child Guarantee, EU Member States are releasing the first report on its implementation. The reports offer an overview of the context, target groups, and services established to execute the European Child Guarantee’s National Action Plans. Additionally, they include sections covering indicators, financing details, and insights and conclusions gleaned from the implementation process.
The Dutch Government submitted its 2024 Biennial report on the implementation of the Child Guarantee in April 2024.
The report focuses on:
- Early childhood education and care: Enhancing the accessibility of ECEC by adjusting the childcare allowance and expanding municipal schemes. All working parents are entitled to an allowance for up to 230 hours of child care per child monthly. The Early Childhood Development Programme supports children transitioning from ECEC to primary education.
- Education and school-based activities: The National Programme for Education supports students' learning process and well-being. Schools can apply for grants to fund staff dedicated to supporting families. The Healthy School programme promotes healthy lifestyles among pupils in primary, secondary, and special schools.
- Healthcare: Under the Health Insurance Act, healthcare for children is publicly funded. The Youth Reform Agenda aims to enhance the support provided to children with special needs. The Future Agenda aims to enhance access to innovative medicines for children with disabilities. The Solid Start programme supports vulnerable parents and aims to ensure children have a healthy start in life, with municipalities implementing integrated approaches.
- Healthy meal each school day: The School Meals programme provides daily meals to over 300,000 students from low-income families. Additionally, the Healthy School programme promotes a healthy lifestyle among students, encouraging physical activity and healthy eating habits.
- Healthy nutrition: The ministry is working to impose legal restrictions on food marketing aimed at children, and is in discussions with the food industry to tighten the Food Advertising Code to reduce the influence of unhealthy marketing on children.
- Adequate housing: The National Housing and Homebuilding Agenda aims to provide affordable homes and end homelessness by 2030. Municipalities must offer youth care services for young people with special needs. Initiatives focus on prevention and support for families facing challenges. The programme A home for everyone has been designed to remove the obstacles to access housing. The Dutch National Action Plan on Homelessness: Housing First aims to reduce homelessness.
Check out the rest of the 2024 Biennial reports on the implementation of the Child Guarantee!
Eurochild and its members will continue to call on Member States to release their biennial reports and work to ensure the Child Guarantee National Action Plans helps end child poverty.
This summary provides key highlights from the Biennial report on the Child Guarantee implementation in The Netherlands published in 2024. It is not exhaustive or evaluative.