Do you work in debt counseling?
Don't leave children on the sidelines!
The Netherlands is one of the richest countries in the world. But over half a million households have high-risk debts*. Many of these families are receiving debt counseling. This means that children growing up in these families don't have the opportunities their peers take for granted.
You know what poverty is
As a debt counselor, you visit families in their homes. You know how difficult it is when money is tight at home; this impacts the entire family. Children need an outlet, especially if they're facing a difficult home situation.
By participating in sports and/or creative activities, children learn new skills, make new friends, and broaden their horizons. It's also rewarding for parents when their child has something to express themselves in. It gives them more breathing room; they can be proud of their child when they're on the sidelines or attending a dance performance. When a child can participate, it's positive for the whole family.
What can you do as a debt counselor?
Fortunately, as a debt counselor, you can actually do something to help children from poor families. You can tell parents how important it is for children to be able to participate in activities that their classmates take for granted. For example, joining a sports club like soccer or judo, taking lessons at a dance or theater school, or playing a musical instrument. Things that broaden the child's world and make them feel better. Because debt counseling involves you in the family, you can, as a intermediary Apply to the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture to reimburse the membership fees and tuition fees for children and young people aged 0 to 18:
*Source: Debt Assistance Buddy.
Small effort, big difference!
As a debt counselor, you can easily apply online for children in the families you work with. Here's how:
- You register online as an intermediary, and within a week you will hear whether your application has been approved;
- After approval, you can apply for a contribution for the child, together with the parents and a parent card completed by them, via our online application system.
- You will hear within 3 weeks whether the application has been approved or rejected and you can inform the parents.
- If the application is approved, the parents can register the child at the sports club or dance or music school.
- We pay the membership fee/tuition directly to the sports club/instructor. Parents do not receive any money.
Becoming an intermediary takes little effort, but you'll make a big difference in a child's life! You can apply for multiple children in a family.
Read more
Nibud Director Arjan Vliegenthart: 'Poverty means not being able to participate socially'
Nibud is the leading knowledge center for the Dutch household budget. Nibud aims to help people gain and maintain control over their finances, now and in the future. This means providing research, information, and advice for both citizens and the government. Nibud also trains debt counselors who can support families. Director Arjan Vliegenthart: "Poverty is not just a personal problem, but a societal problem."
Ruud van den Tillaar: 'Having debts is complicated'
Kredietbank used to be a bank for the poor. Today, it's a social institution that helps people in financial trouble. But very occasionally, loans are granted. Kredietbank Limburg offers debt counseling in the broadest sense of the word. Director Ruud van den Tillaar explains the complexity of debt issues.
Intermediary Stefanie: 'Helping families get back on track'
People entering a debt counseling program must meet certain requirements. Stefanie Veen is a Debt Stabilization Support Specialist at the De Schoor welfare foundation in Almere. She helps families enter the debt counseling program from a stable situation. "We are the safety net for families."
