Agency workers in primary care 'unacceptable'
In the media image: Sara Oliveira on Unsplash+
Three temporary agency workers in Dutch youth care must appear in court next week. Mariëlle Bruning, Professor of Children and the Law, spoke to 'de Volkskrant’ newspaper about how this situation arose. 'Young people need well-trained, permanent supervisors.'
The three agency workers are accused of abusing young girls at the Rijnhove youth care department in the Dutch town Alphen aan den Rijn. How is it possible that the primary care was in the hands of temporary workers? For years, the sector has been struggling with acute staff shortages, a high workload and a high level of absenteeism. Hundreds of vacancies remain unfilled, which means that youth care organisations are increasingly forced to hire agency workers. These contract staff are required to hold a recent Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) and a valid diploma issued by the Dutch Education Service (DUO).
Mariëlle Bruning acknowledges that the staff shortages can lead to difficult decisions but calls the use of agency workers 'unacceptable'. According to her, the responsibility for vulnerable girls cannot rest entirely with temporary staff. Moreover, the lack of permanent staff results in lower-quality care. 'These young people need well-trained, permanent supervisors who can build a relationship with them.'
More information?
Read the full article in de Volkskrant (€, in Dutch)