Rotterdam first city to hire own children's advocate

Rotterdam is the first city to hire a Municipal Children's Ombudsman, in addition to the National Children's Ombudsman. From January 1st, Anne Mieke Zwaneveld will be standing up for the rights of children. She is already the Municipal Ombudsman of Rotterdam. From January 1st child welfare will be the municipalities' responsibility. According to Rotterdam, this makes a Children's Ombudsman who is only concerned with the children within a municipality, a godsend. "Where necessary we will take action to ensure that the community and other organizations respect and comply with the rights of children", said Zwaneveld. She considers it an honor to be Children's Ombudsman. Since 2011 Marc Dullaert has been the National Children's Ombudsman. He will work closely with Zwaneveld.