Judicial and Institutional Services
Methodology

Family Guardianship

J&IS uses evidence-based methods to carry out its family guardianship tasks. Family Guardians receive ongoing training to strengthen their professional skills.

Family Guardianship Services:

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.
Delta

The Four Steps of the Delta Method:

Identify concerns, strengths, and the family's view of the situation.
Translate concerns into clear developmental threats for the child.
Define the developmental outcomes the child needs.
Set work goals and actions, and create a practical “plan on the table” with the family.
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Our Location

A.J.C. Brouwers Road Nr. 4., Cul de Sac, Yogesh Commercial Complex Unit 2E/F/G, Cul-de-Sac, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten

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Monday - Friday:

08:00 – 17:00

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