The Utrecht coalition agreement states that the municipality focuses on support and prevention for relationship problems, as a divorce can be particularly impactful for children. Early help with relationship issues can prevent unnecessary suffering and provide protection for children in vulnerable positions.

Questions about relationship problems or parental separation often become youth care questions, which are not always optimally answered within youth care. These questions can be better addressed by connecting residents with a buddy, through specific group meetings, by collaborating with volunteers to gain insights into finances or within mental health care for adults. Legal support can also help. Dennis de Vries, Alderman for Youth: “If we can provide parents with the right information earlier and more accessibly or refer them to where their questions can be best answered, it can greatly benefit their children. Less conflict, for example, less stress, or less financial worries.”

Funding has been allocated for research into the possibilities of a relationship and separation team, currently working under the title separation desk. It is expected that the facilitator will deliver advice in 2025 for the establishment of the separation desk; implementation could then start in the first quarter of 2026.

Other projects

In addition to the research into the possibilities for a separation desk, two additional projects will be initiated in 2025 and 2026. First, professionals will receive training to work from a shared vision - under the banner sustainable collaboration after separation. Stichting Al Amal will also receive funding to organize meetings to prepare residents for marriage and to better cope with relationship problems. Board members and volunteers from Al Amal see many relationship problems in Utrecht Overvecht, as people sometimes have an overly rosy view of marriage and do not know how to deal with relationship issues.

These projects will supplement the efforts that Utrecht is already making in the area of relationships and separations. For example, there are (within the social foundation) the Brave Dinosaurs and the Strong Turtles, group-oriented help for children of separating parents. There is also an online buddy project for children of separated parents, Villa Pinedo. For parents themselves, there are organizations and programs such as TussenThuis, Ouders Inc., or the Separation Atlas. If necessary, support is provided by, among others, the neighborhood team, KOOS Utrecht, and Spoor 030 to parents and children, in addition to the care already present within the family.

De Vries: “I have been involved with the Foundation Peaceful for many years, and even as an alderman, I see what it brings when you can resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. This also applies to problems within a relationship – which sometimes lead to a separation. Involved professionals and volunteers can provide guidance based on their experiences, knowledge, and skills. Mediation can, for example, alleviate many tensions. This is of course pleasant for the parents themselves, but especially for their children, it can make a world of difference.”