Children's Ombudsman Stans Goudsmit in Arminius. Photo: Cotton Visuals

Children and young people affected by the benefits scandal: 'We lived in the dark'

Fri, Mar 7, 12:00 General Read 1,421 times

Rotterdam - Stans Goudsmit, Rotterdam-Rijnmond's children's ombudsman, writes every month about what she encounters in her work.

Last Monday, more than 500 people met in Debatpodium Arminius. In the Rijnmond region, which was hardest hit by the benefits scandal, there was a strong message to political The Hague: the pain can and should be turned into true recovery. During the city conversation “From benefits to recovery scandal? Never again! ' the Children's Ombudsman emphasized the suffering of affected children and young people. Time and time again, their wishes in the recovery process get zero response from the government. This was painfully felt in the poem “Too bad”, nominated by the duped youngster Sanna:I want to start today by saying that I am sorry, for me, for Chantal and all the other affected young people. Too bad that our DUO debts are still not included like our parents'. Too bad that there is still no broad support that matches what we young people need. Too bad that our suffering is still not fully acknowledged. Too bad that we are sitting here again today complaining about something that, in our opinion, is obvious; we also suffered from our parents' problems. We were evicted, abused, starved. We lived in the dark, waiting for the shadow to come and get us or our stuff. Too bad that life went on without understanding, not from our mentors, neighborhood coaches, aunts or uncles. And certainly not from the government. Understanding also includes recognition, too bad we still don't have it.As long as the children are not helped, the parents do not feel helped either. Nevertheless, during the city conversation, there was also a glimmer of hope. First, the young people show strength and perseverance in their fight for recognition and recovery. Secondly, the sold-out venue in Arminius shows that a wide group of people are affected by the problem of recovery. And thirdly, we exhaust hope the advisory report “Promise less, do more” by the Van Dam Commission, where the very last page states that attention should be paid to young people. The door to recognition and recovery is ajar. In Rotterdam-Rijnmond, together with young people, we put our foot in the middle and say: open that door!Are you running into problems with school, youth assistance or the municipality? Rotterdam-Rijnmond Children's Ombudsman offers free and independent help. Call us toll-free at 0800-0802 (working days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or mail to info@orr.nl.https://www.facebook.com/262215587197444_1209799281149635