More attention to disease-reported students participation.

More attention to disease-reported students participation.

The attention for school attendance among sick-reported students is increasing among different parties. This also leads to more focus on the related partnerships. Because when your child cannot go to school for a long period due to illness, you may encounter, among others, the truancy officer or the youth doctor. What can the youth doctor do for your sick child?

Limited capacity due to (chronic) condition 

Children who are (long-term) ill often have limited capacity causing them not to attend school fully or at all. Adjustments are then needed to ensure a child can participate in education as much as possible. Think of children with a (chronic) condition like diabetes, migraine, or long-covid. But also with mental complaints, unexplained physical complaints, and social-emotional problems the capacity can be limited.  

Every school works with a youth doctor. The youth doctor works on behalf of the municipality and often works for the GGD in the region where you live. The youth doctor is therefore an external professional who is independent from the school. The school can refer a student to the youth doctor or the youth health team for absence guidance. Also, a student or parents can ask for advice themselves. Sometimes the request comes from the truancy officer.  

Adjustments and capacity 

Schools sometimes ask for a statement from a doctor to make certain adjustments possible. Treating doctors sometimes give a statement with a diagnosis but may not state what is and is not possible at school. That task belongs to the youth doctor connected to the school. The youth doctor advises on possibilities and required adjustments. It is important to see what is possible. It is advice, not a (medical) capacity statement and is not expressed in a percentage. The youth doctor also provides input for the development perspective plan (OPP) of the student. 

Many of these children need an adjustment of school time. The school can deviate from the minimum number of hours of schooling. This requires support from a child or youth psychologist, (ortho)pedagogue or a doctor. The youth doctor can also advise what is possible, if needed with adjustments to make sure education can continue.  

Exemption from enrollment 

If a child cannot attend school for a longer time, the school or truancy officer sometimes aim for a truancy exemption. That is not always necessary. The duty and pressure to physically attend school then cease, but this can have big downsides. The school’s responsibility to provide education for the child ends. Children often lose contact and it is very hard to get admitted back to school later. 

Parents apply for a truancy exemption with the municipality. It is often handled by the truancy officer of the municipality. The application requires assessment by a designated doctor, pedagogue, or psychologist. In most municipalities, that is the youth doctor. Because this expert must be independent and not involved with the child, they may not be connected to the child’s school. This youth doctor issues a medical statement after possible consultation with the treating doctor or specialist.

Questions?

Do you have questions or do you want to discuss your child’s situation? Please contact our advice point.