A Request for Discussion (Verzoek tot Bespreking [VTB]) can be issued at the Youth Protection Table (Jeugdbeschermingstafel [JTB]) if the development or safety of a child is at risk. The current...Show moreA Request for Discussion (Verzoek tot Bespreking [VTB]) can be issued at the Youth Protection Table (Jeugdbeschermingstafel [JTB]) if the development or safety of a child is at risk. The current study examined the relation between Socioeconomic Status (SES) of the family and the decision to request an investigation (raadsonderzoek) in the Netherlands. In addition, we examined the moderating role of workload of the professional. 104 VTBs from different regions in the Netherlands were anonymized and coded. 71 professionals filled in a questionnaire (M = 40.2 years old; SD = 10.9; 52 female; 18 male). A logistic regression analysis was performed with 39 VTBs. This analysis showed a relation between SES of the family and the decision to request an investigation. Families with a high SES more often got a decision to start an investigation than families with a low SES. Analysis showed that workload of the professional was not a moderator. Limitations of this study were the small sample size, the quality of the VTBs and the interpretation of the coder. Of note, this study showed that many of the social health care professionals in the Netherlands experience high workload. It is important to reduce this workload to ensure the health of the professional.Show less
