International

A special procedure is needed to review the placing in foster care of children who are victims of the benefits scandal. And parents in the benefits scandal who ask for a review of the decision to place their child in foster care must have a decision within six months - and preferably sooner - as to whether this is correct.

The motion by member of parliament Pieter Omtzigt and SP party leader Lilian Marijnissen was adopted unanimously today. Minister Weerwind had advised against it. Many organisations have sounded the alarm about the constitutional shortcomings of the system for placing children in foster care. Now the House of Representatives also concludes that these are constitutional shortcomings.

At least 555 children who are victims of the benefits scandal were placed in care after a court ruling and are still placed in foster care. But the group is bigger: there are also children who were placed in care supposedly voluntarily or are not in the picture now for some reason.

The worst thing that can happen to parents is being a victim of the benefits scandal and having your child placed in care. Subsequently, the cabinet seems unwilling to solve this scandal. That is inexcusable. The SP is therefore pleased that today the House of Representatives adopted our proposal to provide a prospect of reunification, where possible, within six months.