Organogram of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport: Directorate-General for Long-Term Care

Departments

• Long-Term Care Department (DLZ)
• Social Support Department (DMO)
• Health Insurance Department (Z)
• Youth Department (J)

Long-Term Care Department (DLZ)

Director: Michiel Geschiere

People with long-term care needs want to be able to live their lives the way they choose, to the greatest extent possible. They can do this thanks to long-term care provided by professionals who take pride in contributing to their quality of life. But the accessibility, quality and affordability of long-term care cannot be taken for granted. The Long-Term Care Department wants to lead the way in a necessary renewal of the long-term care system.    

Social Support Department (DMO)

Director: Maartje Roelofs

Social support entails promoting social participation. It comprises

• support for informal care and voluntary work;
• improving access to care;
• support for those who cannot participate in society entirely independently.

The department is not the only player in this field. Quite the reverse, the municipalities often occupy a central position in this respect and direct efforts. Institutions and civil society organisations are often responsible for organising social support activities and services and ensuring their quality.

Health Insurance Department (Z)

Director: Kjille Lammertsma

The Health Insurance Department formulates policy on the health insurance system. It concerns itself mainly with the system's coherence, its financing, and the nature and volume of patients' entitlements.

Youth Department

Director: Marieke Kleiboer

The Youth Department is responsible for the system of youth care and prevention as laid down in the Youth Act. Under the Act, municipalities have administrative and financial responsibility for providing youth care services.

Key topics

• Quality of youth care services: supporting a professional development programme for youth workers, promoting the use of evidence-based and innovative interventions, encouraging sensitive and appropriate care, linking up youth care and education, and strengthening clients’ position.
• Administrative and financial aspects of the youth care system: supporting municipalities, distributing funds to municipalities, implementing certain grant schemes (e.g. grants for boarding schools for children of occupational travellers, system transition grant scheme).
• Social participation of young people and prevention: child rights, youth participation and child-rearing issues in connection with, for instance, modern media.
• Risk groups: tackling child abuse and providing support for victims of romeo pimps have priority.
• Knowledge policy and international cooperation: publication of the Youth Monitor, a database of information on the situation of young people and the uptake of youth care.