Millions of euros earmarked for foster children's childcare are going unused. That's according to the AD. In the meantime, foster parents are in many cases simply paying childcare costs out of their own pockets — either unaware that financial support is available, or unable to access it in practice.
How does childcare work for foster children?
In the Netherlands, foster parents are entitled under certain conditions to the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) for foster children in their care. For the purposes of the childcare benefit, foster children are in principle treated the same as biological children, provided the conditions set by the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) are met. In addition, municipalities and youth care organizations can provide supplementary reimbursements for childcare costs related to caring for a foster child.
In practice, however, this money often fails to reach the people it is intended for. Foster parents are frequently unaware of the available schemes, or the bureaucratic hurdles are simply too high to clear successfully. The result: funds sit untouched, while foster parents — who already make an enormous contribution to society by giving vulnerable children a home — face unnecessary financial strain.
A structural problem in foster care
This situation is part of a broader pattern of challenges within the Dutch foster care system. Foster parents receive an allowance through their foster care organization, but this allowance often falls well short of covering all the costs involved in caring for and raising a foster child. Childcare is a clear example: it represents a significant expense, particularly for foster parents who work and need regular childcare arrangements.
When available funds are structurally left unused, it raises serious questions — either the information provided to foster parents is inadequate, or the schemes themselves are too complex to navigate. Both factors can cause eligible foster parents to give up or simply not know what they are entitled to.
What does this mean for (foster) parents?
- Childcare benefit: Foster parents may be eligible for the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) for a foster child. Check with the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) to find out whether your situation qualifies.
- Reimbursement through your foster care organization: Contact your foster care support worker to ask which cost reimbursements are available, including any contributions toward childcare.
- Municipal schemes: Some municipalities offer additional support. Check with your local municipality about what options are available for foster parents.
- Foster parent association: The Dutch Association for Foster Families (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Pleeggezinnen/NVP) can advise foster parents on their financial rights and entitlements.
It is essential that foster parents are proactively informed about what they are entitled to — so that available funds are actually used for the purpose they were intended: the care of vulnerable children.