The Kitchen Table Conversation with the Municipality of Rotterdam

The Kitchen Table Conversation with the Municipality of Rotterdam

The kitchen table conversation is an accessible home visit by the Municipality of Rotterdam to map out your personal circumstances and care needs. This often arises in applications for support under the Wmo 2015, Participation Act or Youth Act. The consultant sits at your kitchen table in Rotterdam to gain insight into your daily reality, enabling a tailored decision.

What does a kitchen table conversation in Rotterdam involve?

In Rotterdam, the kitchen table conversation is an equal-footed discussion at your home, not a formal interrogation. A Municipality of Rotterdam staff member reviews your challenges, self-reliance and social network. This is essential for requests for household help, guidance, mobility aids or benefits, taking into account the Rotterdam context such as busy neighborhoods in South or Centrum.

This popular approach in Rotterdam brings the support request closer to home and builds on free client support through independent assistance like the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.

Legal basis in Rotterdam

The kitchen table conversation is enshrined in social laws followed by the Municipality of Rotterdam:

• Wmo 2015: Article 2.6(1) requires a 'preferably at the kitchen table' assessment of support needs, followed by a plan (art. 2.7).
• Participation Act: Article 17 describes the participation assessment, often conducted at home in Rotterdam.
• Youth Act: Article 2.4 calls for a home assessment of upbringing and development.
• Long-term Care Act (Wlz): CIZ conducts similar intake assessments (art. 2.1.3).

The Municipality of Rotterdam must adopt a client-centered approach. You may refuse a home visit, opting for an alternative like a video call, but this could complicate your application at the Rotterdam District Court.

Rotterdam practice examples

Take Ms. Jansen (65) from Rotterdam South, applying for Wmo support due to mobility issues. At the kitchen table, she shares her loneliness, cleaning problems and infrequent family visits. The consultant notes the situation on site: approved for 4 hours of help per week.

Mr. De Vries (45) from Charlois seeks benefits. The conversation reveals addiction and debt; he receives benefits plus referrals to Rotterdam debt relief and reintegration services.

Under the Youth Act: a consultant meets with a family in Rotterdam West to discuss school and home issues for therapy.

Rights and obligations in Rotterdam

Rights:

• Bring a trusted person or client supporter (free via Juridisch Loket Rotterdam or Social Neighborhood Team).
• Opt for an appointment at Rotterdam City Hall.
• Access to the report (GDPR right).
• Objection to the Rotterdam District Court (art. 7:1 Awb).

Obligations:

• Provide full and honest answers; inaccuracies may lead to recovery of payments (art. 70 Participation Act).
• Actively contribute to solution-finding.

Comparison: home vs. Rotterdam City Hall

Preparing for your Rotterdam kitchen table conversation

Here's how to get ready:

1. List problems, needs and your own efforts, with Rotterdam-specific details.
2. Gather documents: bills, doctor's letters, income proofs.
3. Call Juridisch Loket Rotterdam for free support.
4. Rehearse sensitive topics like finances or addiction.

After the conversation in Rotterdam

The consultant reports; decision within 6 weeks (Wmo) or 8 weeks (Participation Act). Written notification follows. Disagree? Object within 6 weeks to the Rotterdam District Court. See also objection and appeal or Wmo application.

FAQs for Rotterdam residents