Public Administration student Benito investigated benefits scandal: ‘Rules can profoundly impact lifes’
The child benefits scandal caused significant harm to families. The independent Hamer Commission specifically investigated the link between the scandal and the removal of children from their homes. Public Administration student Benito Walker was a member of this commission and shares his experiences and insights from the investigation.
What are the key findings of the report, and what was your role in it?
'Our research shows that the stability of families was suddenly disrupted by debt, poverty, and financial issues. This led to problems such as financial stress, mental health issues, loss of employment, arguments between partners, and strained relationships between children and parents. The removal of children from these affected families likely would not have occurred had the effects of the child benefits scandal been stabilised earlier. Even in families that already had issues before the scandal, the situation worsened because of it. Social services often fell short, as there was no proper analysis of the underlying problems. Poverty and debt, and the stress stemming from them, remained unresolved.
My focus within the commission was, among other things, on the timely and proper involvement of the affected young people and their relatives. Naturally, as a commission member, you observe everything, conduct numerous interviews with affected children and parents, their (former) social workers, former officials, and other key stakeholders. As a commission member, you help set the direction and themes of the research. Ultimately, you ensure that the research results are analysed, presented, and communicated in the right and appropriate way.’
How did you become involved with the committee, and how did you work together?
'The chair was appointed by the minister and secretaries of state, while the other members were nominated by the chair and appointed by the minister and secretaries of state. Through my previous role as vice-chair of the National Youth Council (where I represented Dutch youth in the policy negotiations on the Youth Reform Agenda), I had already worked with Mariëtte Hamer (chair of the National Youth Council Advisory Board) and the involved government ministers (government representatives in the Youth Reform Agenda). They knew me and were aware of my long-standing commitment to improving the issues within youth care and protection.
The commission held formal sessions with 35 children, 64 parents, around 25 experts, and analysed the files of affected children and parents. Additionally, commission members conducted many other individual conversations and informally organised sessions with children and parents. The insights gained from these conversations were aligned with the formal discussions conducted for the research. The findings were then presented in several sessions to professionals, former policymakers, and affected children and parents.'
What affected or surprised you most during the investigation?
'What has most affected me is that, in recent years, the view has been formed that the affected families already had various problems, and therefore, the impact of the child benefits scandal on the removals of children was limited. Our research shows that this view is not correct. The suffering of those affected is unimaginably large and often continues to this day. The realisation that this was caused by failing government policy makes the urgency for action even greater.
It is also important to emphasise that the situation of these children has received very limited attention for many years. They are more than just 'children of affected parents,' and they too deserve help and support in regaining control over their own lives. Many young people struggle with mental health issues, have been unable to finish their education, and have seen their relationships with family severely, sometimes irreparably, damaged. The affected children often have no trust in the government, child welfare, or other services.'
'The realisation that this was caused by failing government policy makes the urgency for action even greater.'
What is the most important lesson about the impact of policy that you would share with public administration students?
For public administration and its students, it is crucial to realise that public administration does not merely deal with paper realities. The rules that are made, conceived, or designed can profoundly change people's lives in society – and unfortunately, not always in a positive way. It is important to remain aware of this and constantly remind both yourself and those around you. People's lives are not black and white, and good governance or policy should not be either.
Report: Committee on Childcare Benefits and Child Removals
Read the conclusions and recommendations in the report (in Dutch).