Learning from children : Experiences and needs of children in the Dutch child protection system

Children are primary service users in the context of child protection and have the right to share their views in all matters affecting them. In this qualitative study, we interviewed 11 children about their experiences with a trajectory in the Dutch child protection system (CPS). Our reflexive thematic analysis shows that such a trajectory strongly impacts children’s lives. During this trajectory, children want to be cared about, taken seriously and understood. According to them, professionals need to be really motivated and dedicated to help them, enabling them to go on with their (daily) life as much and as soon as possible. Furthermore, children need the opportunity to tell what they want to tell. They want clarity and honesty with professionals, and respect for (the bond with) their parents. Results could be validated against a robust, deductively developed counseling model. The study provides pertinent recommendations for the CPS.