National Ombudsman Alex Brenninkmeijer has voiced concern regarding the poor functioning of the country's child welfare.

Writing in the newspaper De Volkskrant, he says insufficient cooperation between different departments is undermining children's rights in the Netherlands. He also notes that child welfare is often constrained by political demands that are based on short-term goals. As a result, simple mischief often results in police reports and criminal proceedings rather than adequate correction. Mr Brenninkmeijer stresses the need for child welfare to meet the needs, development and specific situation of each child.

National Ombudsman Alex Brenninkmeijer