Amsterdam introduces new approach to mitigate the effects of divorce on children

Every year, over 1,400 children in Amsterdam experience their parents divorce. For many families, this is a difficult period where tensions can rise and children sometimes end up in youth care. With the Amsterdam Divorce Approach, we aim to provide better and less fragmented assistance and a central place for information and guidance.

Tailored support, close to home

The new approach focuses on preventing complex divorces and providing appropriate, family-oriented help. A special relationship and divorce team will be established where parents can receive accessible support. This team is a collaboration between the Parent and Child Team, neighborhood teams, and professionals from youth care, adult care, and the legal domain. The team looks broadly at practical, financial, legal, emotional, and educational aspects of a divorce. We are also starting a trial with free relationship therapy, improving information for parents with divorce questions through a website and workshops, and investing in the knowledge level of caregivers.

Evaluation and expansion

We will start the approach in the districts of Centrum and Zuid. A budget of 1.6 million euros has been allocated for the development process. The first evaluation will take place in 2026. After that, we may expand the approach.

Growing up safe and healthy, even during a divorce

Councilor Marjolein Moorman (Youth): “Unfortunately, children are often the victims of stress and worries when their parents separate. We increasingly see that youth care is used to support children while the root causes of the problems are not addressed. Children do better when their parents do better. Therefore, Amsterdam is launching an approach to support separating parents where necessary so that their children feel more stability and security during this period. Children must be able to grow up safe and healthy, even when their parents separate.”

Photo: Patricia Rehe / ANP