J&IS uses evidence-based methods to carry out its family guardianship tasks. Family Guardians receive ongoing training to strengthen their professional skills.
The main methodology used in family guardianship is the Delta Method for guidance and supervision of children under court-ordered supervision (ondertoezichtstelling-OTS). OTS is ordered when a child’s safety or development is at serious risk because of, amongst others, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, exploitation, parental incapabilities, or severe behavioural problems.
The Delta Method aims to identify and remove threats to a child’s development. It applies to all children under supervision and is based on the Four-Step Model that guides the work of family guardians.
Alongside the Delta Method, J&IS also applies principles from the Signs of Safety methodology. This approach focuses on building safety with families through collaboration, transparency, and practical solutions. It helps Family Guardians work with parents in a respectful and constructive way while still addressing serious risks.
Key elements of Signs of Safety include:
• Mapping strengths, risks, and safety goals with the family in clear, simple language
• Involving the child, parents, and support network in creating safety plans
• Focusing on what is working well and what needs to change
• Using everyday, practical steps that parents can follow
• Encouraging shared responsibility for creating safety around the child
Signs of Safety strengthens the partnership between the Family Guardian and the family while keeping the child’s safety at the center of all decisions.