GGD (Public health service)

What can Youth Health Care do for you and your child?
Growing up healthy and safe comes naturally to most young people. As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your child, so they can grow up in a safe and stimulating environment. But young people of high school age develop at a rapid pace. This sometimes raises doubts, questions or concerns. That’s when Youth Health Care can help.

Youth health care
Our school cooperates with the Youth Health Care team of the GGD Brabant-Zuidoost. The team consists of a youth doctor, youth nurse and a health promotion employee. JGZ is there for all children and their parents: from birth to 18 years of age.

Health Survey
In first and fourth grade, all students complete a digital questionnaire. You will receive information about this in advance. Questions are asked about health, lifestyle and social contacts, among other things. Class 1 students are also weighed and measured. The purpose of this health survey is to identify possible health problems in young people in time and, if necessary, to offer help. When the questionnaire reveals concerns or questions or when the screening of height and weight gives reason to do so (class 1), the youth nurse will take your son or daughter out of class for an interview. Your child may also request an interview on his or her own. If the Youth Health Team recommends help or counseling, you will be informed.

The health examination is not mandatory. Youth health care keeps an eye on the health and development of children and young people. This in order to identify and prevent problems in time.

Care team
JGZ also participates in the school’s care structure, they join the school’s care meetings.

Guidance on sick leave
The school keeps a close eye on student absenteeism. If we are concerned, we inform the parent(s)/guardian(s). We may also report the student to the youth health care team. They then invite you and your child for an interview. The youth doctor then discusses what is causing the absenteeism and how further absenteeism can be limited. The health of the young person is always central to this.

Just a chat….
Is it normal for my adolescent daughter to behave so excessively? I suspect my child is experimenting with drugs. How do I deal with that? Is my son independent enough for his age?

For such questions, you can always contact the Youth Health Care team. Talking to an expert often offers new insights and helps you move forward. They offer a listening ear, provide help and advice and information that helps. If necessary, they refer you on.

Vaccinations
All children in the Netherlands are entitled to vaccinations against 12 serious infectious diseases. This is regulated in the national National Vaccination Program (RVP).
From the age of 9, all girls and boys receive an invitation for the group vaccinations BMR/DTP (9 years), HPV (10 years) and Meningococcal ACWY (14 years). The GGD conducts these vaccinations. They do so annually in the spring and fall and at various locations in the region. Is it your child’s turn? Then you will automatically receive an invitation from RIVM.