The number of children placed out of their homes since 2015 as a result of the benefits scandal has risen to 1,675. This was revealed on Wednesday from new figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) collected at the request of the Ministry of Justice and Security.
CBS reported in October that 1,115 children had been removed from families known to be victims of the benefits scandal. These figures related to the period from 2015 to 2020. The custodial placements from 2021 have now been added.
The CBS figures are an approximation of the actual number of children of victimized parents who have been removed from their homes. The statistical office uses data on youth protection and youth care with residence for this purpose.
Statistics Netherlands does not have data on custodial placements imposed by the court. Statistics Netherlands consults information from the Tax and Customs Administration to get a picture of the victims of the parents and their children.
The children are placed with a foster family or institution. A special support team has been active since April 4, with which municipalities and involved youth organizations assist the families and with which they are helped with a possible family reunification.
On Thursday, the House will debate with the cabinet about the children of affected parents who have been removed from home.
