Home-Start Netherlands

Home-Start Netherlands has grown to be the second-largest Home-Start network, after the UK. By 2017, 90 schemes in 130 municipalities served 3,400 families with 2,900 volunteers. The Dutch government initiated Home-Start after a visit to the UK in 1991, leading to pilot projects and the official launch in 1996. Strong support from the government and organizations led to rapid expansion and a strong National Office. Research from the University of Amsterdam confirmed long-term positive impacts, earning a 2014 EU EPIC Best Practice Award. In 2014, Humanitas assumed leadership, continuing to expand and innovate Home-Start services.