What Horizon Begeleiding does

Horizon Begeleiding is a private Dutch youth care provider headquartered in Assen, Netherlands, specializing in guidance and support for children, youth, and young adults aged 6-23 with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, or comparable challenges. The organization operates in four northern Dutch provinces (Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, and Overijssel) through regional offices in Assen, Emmen, Heerenveen, Dokkum, Groningen, and Leeuwarden, serving clients referred by municipalities, schools, general practitioners, and social teams. Its core services span three pillars: individual specialized guidance (ambulante begeleiding), systemic/family counseling (systeembegeleiding), and educational day programs (educatieve dagbesteding), supplemented by the proprietary MILS learning strategy assessment, DOA cross-domain analysis, the 52-Weken Programma for year-round care continuity, and specialized modules including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CGT), the Dungeons & Dragons therapeutic module, and the Horizon Atelier creative workshop.

The organization is built on a proprietary methodology (Methode Horizon Begeleiding) integrating competence-oriented, solution-focused, and system-oriented approaches, with all care professionals SKJ-registered and the organization certified to ISO 9001 and NEN-EN 15224 standards. Revenue is generated through government contracts under the Dutch Youth Act (Jeugdwet) and Social Support Act (WMO), with municipalities across the four provinces as the contracting and paying parties; services are free at point of use for clients. The core technology stack is operational rather than transformational: secure communication via SecuMailer, care coordination via Samen1plan.nl, and regional referral indices DVi and ViF. New initiatives in 2024-2025 include the Emmen office opening, the Horizon Atelier launch, the Alert4you partnership with Kinderwoud, and the D&D therapeutic module.

Horizon Begeleiding's go-to-market is exclusively government-contracted and referral-based, with no commercial or retail channels. The organization maintains a dense partner ecosystem spanning municipalities, schools, mental health providers, professional associations (SKJ, BPSW, RINO Groep), research bodies (ZonMw, Hogeschool Viaa, NCJ), and social enterprises (GOING, Lunchcafé Andurz, Zwat Fietswerkplaats). Pricing is not publicly disclosed; rates are negotiated through municipal Jeugdwet/WMO contracts that vary per municipality. The customer base is fundamentally governmental (municipalities as payers), with end beneficiaries being youth and families. The organization has 51-100 employees and was founded in 2007.

Name

Horizon Begeleiding

Legal name

Horizon Begeleiding

Website

https://horizonbegeleiding.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Horizon Begeleiding is a private Dutch youth care provider offering specialized guidance, systemic family counseling, and educational day programs for children and young adults aged 6-23 with autism and anxiety disorders, funded by municipal Jeugdwet/WMO contracts across four northern Dutch provinces.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialized Youth Care Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Behavioral Health for Children & Adolescents (Youth Services) (HLAFACAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ), Developmental Therapy / Early Childhood Special Instruction (EDACAFAG)

Keywords

• Youth care services
• Autism support services
• Specialized youth guidance
• Family system counseling
• Educational day programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Assen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Jeugdwet Funding: Services are funded through the Dutch Youth Act (Jeugdwet), with contracts held by municipalities in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, and Overijssel (IJsselland). Municipalities are the primary payers and contracting parties.
2. WMO (Wet Maatschappelijke Ondersteuning) Funding: Some services are funded through the Social Support Act (WMO), with funding arrangements varying per municipality. Regional intake staff advise on available municipal options.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Horizon Begeleiding provides specialized youth care guidance for children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 6-23) with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, or similar challenges across northern Netherlands. The organization delivers individual specialized guidance (ambulatory support), family/system counseling, and educational day programs, supplemented by proprietary assessment tools (MILS learning strategy analysis and DOA cross-domain analysis) and a continuous 52-week care program. Services are funded by Dutch municipalities through the Jeugdwet (Youth Act) and WMO (Social Support Act), with referrals accepted from schools, GPs, and social teams.

Product overview

Horizon Begeleiding is a specialized youth care organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of guidance services for children, youth, and young adults (ages 6-23) with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, or similar challenges. The core offering consists of three main pillars: Individuele specialistische begeleiding (individual specialized guidance), Systeembegeleiding (system/family guidance), and Educatieve dagbesteding (educational day activities). Supporting these core services are analytical tools including MILS (learning strategies assessment) and DOA (cross-domain analysis). The organization also provides specialized modules such as the 52-Weken Programma for year-round continuity, Cognitieve Gedragstherapie (CGT) modules, the Geweldloos Verzet parent training, and creative programs like the Horizon Atelier and Dungeons & Dragons. The complete offering is coordinated through regional teams across Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, and Overijssel.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Individuele specialistische begeleiding (Individual Specialized Guidance) Specialized one-on-one guidance for youth and young adults aged 6-23 with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, or similar characteristics. Support is provided in the client's daily life environment, school, workplace, or at Horizon Begeleiding's day facilities, focusing on building work relationships, developing skills, and increasing social self-reliance.
• Systeembegeleiding (System/Family Guidance) Family or parent guidance aimed at changing existing behavioral patterns within the family when psychiatric issues are present, creating more space for family members and reducing conflicts through systemic work.
• Educatieve dagbesteding (Educational Day Programs) Educational day activities for youth facing long-term school dropout or social isolation. Delivered at regional facilities with qualified professionals, combining educational support with individual guidance and system coaching to develop practical, mental, social, and emotional self-reliance.
• MILS (Meer Inzicht in LeerStrategieën) Learning Strategies Assessment Computer-based assessment tool that identifies six learning preferences (verbal, sequential, movement, auditory, visual, and collaborative learning) and produces a personal learning profile to help youth discover optimal learning strategies.
• Domein Overstijgende Analyse (DOA) Cross-domain analysis that maps realistic developmental perspectives for children and youth aged 6-23 at risk of dropping out, providing customized advice on the most appropriate form of support, including combinations with regular or specialized education.
• Horizon Atelier Creative workshop space launched in Friesland where young people engage in hands-on building and creative activities to develop growth, self-confidence, and future prospects.
• Dungeons & Dragons Therapeutic Module

Quantifiable outcome

• Client satisfaction score of 4–4.5 out of 5 in the 2025 CTO survey
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Firda (CIOS - sportopleiding) HeerenveenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026Since February 2026, Horizon Begeleiding youth engage in sports activities at Firda in Heerenveen every Friday. Students from the CIOS (sports education program) provide energetic and varied sports lessons. This is a win-win: CIOS students gain practical experience with the target group, and Horizon youth enjoy an active and fun way to expend energy and make connections.
• CBS Het Anker, Renn4, and Gemeente EmmencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 November 2025In Emmen, Horizon Begeleiding collaborates with CBS Het Anker (primary school), Renn4 (special education), and the municipality of Emmen. The shared ambition is to prevent school dropout and provide every student with a suitable place in education. Together they support students in a targeted, timely, and customized manner — in the classroom, around the student, and in connection with the family.
• Platform Geweldloos Verzet Noord-NederlandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025In May 2025, multiple Horizon Begeleiding staff members completed the 'Verbindend Gezag / Geweldloos Verzet' (Authoritative Parenting / Nonviolent Resistance) training, organized by the Platform Geweldloos Verzet Noord-Nederland. Staff members Fleur Kollen and Griselle Storteboom will deliver the parent training to families under Horizon Begeleiding's care, under supervision of trainer Esther Bronsema.
• SpiekrcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Horizon Begeleiding and Spiekr jointly developed the workshop 'Probleemgedrag in de groep' (Problem Behavior in the Group) for teachers and pedagogical staff in childcare and education. The training focuses on early signaling, preventive and inclusive approaches, and the effect of professional behavior on children. Participants rated the training 8.9 out of 10.
• RINO GroepcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 September 2024RINO Groep in Utrecht provides training for cognitive behavioral therapeutic workers. A Horizon Begeleiding staff member completed this training in summer 2024, and additional colleagues from various regions were scheduled to follow in September 2024. The training enables staff to apply CBT modules including COMET, emotion regulation, and 'Denken-Durven-Doen' anxiety training.
• GOING (Jongerenwerkplaats Dokkum)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2024Horizon Begeleiding and GOING operate an intensive collaboration to reduce the number of homebound youth in the region and offer them perspective. GOING's Jongerenwerkplaats (youth workshop) in Dokkum provides customized trajectories, individual home-based support, and a sports gym. Youth work on projects aligned with their interests and can earn diplomas relevant to the manufacturing industry. The collaboration uses a hands-on approach to coaching youth on employment skills.
• Kinderwoud met Alert4youcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Kinderwoud engaged Horizon Begeleiding to provide support using the Alert4you program. In this program, pedagogical staff from KDV (child daycare) and BSO (after-school care) work together with youth care professionals from Horizon Begeleiding on equal footing. Pedagogical staff bring expertise in normal development while youth care professionals contribute knowledge of atypical development. This collaboration strengthens the pedagogical climate and professionalism in the group, with Horizon staff working alongside teams for several weeks providing coaching on the job.
• ZonMw (Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon Begeleiding staff member Lieuwkje Boomsma contributed to the Leernetwerk Samenwerking Onderwijs & Zorg (Learning Network Education & Care Collaboration), documented in ZonMw's Kennismagazine Jeugd thematic issue, article 'Gluren bij de buren'.
• Autisme Netwerk Noord (Northern Autism Network)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon Begeleiding is an active member of the Autisme Netwerk Noord, participating in network meetings and newsletters. The network facilitates knowledge sharing among professionals and organizations working in the autism field across the northern Netherlands.
• Gemeente Groningen, Midden-Groningen, and Samenwerkingspartners (Coöperatie Dichtbij)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon Begeleiding participates in three pilot programs led by the municipalities of Groningen and Midden-Groningen, along with cooperative Dichtbij, to study which supplementary youth care best fits children and parents. Pilots are conducted in trusted school environments and neighborhoods with behavioral experts. Horizon Begeleiding is part of the supplementary youth care ecosystem under Coöperatie Dichtbij.
• Jeugdstem and ZorgbelangcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJeugdstem and Zorgbelang are independent foundations providing trusted persons for youth care in the Netherlands. All children, youth, (foster) parents, and legal representatives in youth care have the right to an independent trusted person. Horizon Begeleiding provides information about these services to clients. Trusted persons can accompany clients to meetings, provide information, advice, and support, and help file complaints.
• Samen1plan.nlcoreTechnology or IntegrationSamen1plan.nl is an online support plan tool for communication within care trajectories involving multiple care providers. Horizon Begeleiding uses this platform to coordinate communication between youth, families, and involved care and education institutions.
• Drentse Verwijsindex (DVi) and Verwijsindex Fryslân (ViF)coreTechnology or IntegrationHorizon Begeleiding is connected to the Drentse Verwijsindex (DVi) and Verwijsindex Fryslân (ViF). These referral index systems allow professionals to safely and quickly connect with others working in youth care, education, and the social domain.
• SKJ and BPSWcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSKJ (Stichting Kwaliteitsregister Jeugd) and BPSW (Beroepsvereniging van Professionals in het Sociaal Werk) are professional associations that organize the annual Dag van de Jeugdprofessional congress. Horizon Begeleiding staff attend these events, and SKJ registration is a requirement for care professionals.
• Hogeschool Viaa and NCJ (Nederlands Centrum Jeugdgezondheid)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon Begeleiding staff attended the event 'Jonge thuiszitters uit de schaduw' (Young Homebound Students) at Hogeschool Viaa in Zwolle, organized by the NCJ and the lectoraat Goede Onderwijspraktijken of Hogeschool Viaa. The event addressed the issue of youth not attending school.
• Lunchcafé AndurzminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLunchcafé Andurz in Dokkum serves as a workplace for youth completing trajectories at Horizon Begeleiding, combining hospitality with day care programs. Youth work in the cold kitchen (sandwiches, salads, cold dishes) on selected days.
• Alétho GroningenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlétho in Groningen provides individual ICT trajectories for youth. Jan Visser followed a brief ICT program at Alétho before transitioning to other opportunities.
• Zwat Fietswerkplaats DokkumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZwat Fietswerkplaats Dokkum is a social enterprise providing work experience for youth completing Horizon Begeleiding trajectories. Youth disassemble, repair, and restore bicycles at this workshop.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Pluryn: Pluryn is one of the largest Dutch youth care and special-needs providers, offering residential, day treatment, and ambulatory programs across multiple regions. It is comparable to Horizon Begeleiding as a Jeugdwet-funded youth services competitor with broader scale and a wider service portfolio, competing for the same municipal contracts.
• Karakter: Karakter is a Dutch specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry offering outpatient mental health treatment, including CBT-based modules. It overlaps with Horizon Begeleiding in CBT delivery, anxiety treatment for youth, and integrated care pathways, but at a larger clinical/medical scale.
• Levvel: Levvel is a large Amsterdam-based youth care provider offering specialist guidance, residential care, and family support. It is comparable to Horizon Begeleiding in Jeugdwet-funded service delivery and youth guidance, but operates at significantly larger scale across a broader region.

Direct peers

• Lindenhout: Lindenhout provides specialist youth care and family support, with strong focus on youth with behavioral and developmental challenges in the eastern Netherlands. It is comparable to Horizon Begeleiding in mission, target population (vulnerable youth and families), and Jeugdwet/WMO funding model, and is a direct peer in the regional youth care market.
• Pactum Jeugdzorg: Pactum delivers specialist youth care and family guidance in the Netherlands, including ambulatory support, residential care, and diagnostics. It overlaps directly with Horizon Begeleiding in target population, Jeugdwet funding structure, and family/system-oriented methodology.
• Youké: Youké is a Dutch youth care provider offering specialist guidance, family support, and educational day programs funded through Jeugdwet and WMO. It is directly comparable to Horizon Begeleiding as a mid-sized regional youth care specialist with similar service mix and family systems approach.
• Centrum Autisme: Centrum Autisme provides diagnostics, treatment, and training for children, youth, and adults with autism spectrum disorder across the Netherlands. It is a direct peer to Horizon Begeleiding in autism-specific clinical expertise and is a logical referral or contracting counterpart for municipalities seeking autism-specialist capacity.
• De Klenck: De Klenck provides specialist youth care, day programs, and educational support for children and youth with developmental and behavioral challenges in the Netherlands. It is comparable to Horizon Begeleiding in regional ambulatory and day-program delivery for vulnerable youth.

Emerging players

• Op Koers Bureau: Op Koers provides specialized support for children and youth with chronic physical conditions and psychosocial challenges, including autism-related trajectories in schools. It overlaps with Horizon Begeleiding in youth support, school-based delivery, and behavioral/developmental expertise.

Others

• Stichting MEE: Stichting MEE supports people with disabilities and chronic conditions, including youth with autism and developmental disabilities, via information, advocacy, and referrals. It is an adjacent ecosystem partner that interacts with Horizon Begeleiding in serving overlapping populations and referring into municipal care pathways.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/horizon-begeleiding

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Horizon Begeleiding