The Understanding and Deciding Together with Children project has been running since October 2022. This project is working on creating an environment to have an open conversation. The target group is children from 12 to 18 years old with psychological or persistent physical issues. The conversation is conducted using the Network Intake and the Positive Health Child Tool. This conversation contributes to ' understanding together ' what is going on. The focus is not on the complaint, but on what is important in the child's life. The left image is an example of a Network Intake Drawing. The care provider and the child have together made a drawing of what is going on in the child's life, what helps and what hinders him. The right image is the Child Tool which shows the topics that the care provider can discuss with the child. The care provider and the child can complete the Child Tool together or the child can complete it as an online questionnaire.

The project runs in Leidsche Rijn, De Bilt, Utrecht Oost, and Oog in Al+Lombok. The project is still being set up in two other neighborhoods. The participants are general practitioners, practice assistants, neighborhood teams, youth health care, KOOS, and Spoor030. The municipality and the health insurer are also involved.

The Network Intake and the Positive Health Child Tool create a common language because all parties know these tools and they can be included within the care chain. Early solutions are sought for the child that matches his or her personal goals and capabilities. The participants indicate that more input comes from the child, rather than mainly from the parents. The Network Intake and the Child Tool therefore bring the child, parents, and caregivers more into alignment. More insight is gained into the child's situation. It is also a pleasant way of conducting consultations, it provides guidance and allows you to work on concrete goals. There will be a new focus on the possibilities of the child and the network. The time investment in ‘understanding together’ facilitates joint decision-making.

To implement this method, training is given in the neighborhoods and within the various aid organizations, and agreements are made about coordination and cooperation. In addition to this, research is being done. The method is evaluated with the participating children and care providers. Finally, training and information material is also developed.

For more information, please contact Dr. Mirjam Nijveldt (project leader), or Dr. Dorien Zwart (main applicant).