Population-based child scheme

Service Surcharges

This algorithm helps recognise the (foster) children entitled to the allowance from the child scheme.

Last change on 18th of June 2024, at 9:53 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0

• Publication category: Impactful algorithms
• Impact assessment: DPIA, IAMA
• Status: In use

General information

Theme

Social Security

Begin date

11-2022

Contact information

[e-mail]

Link to publication website

https://kindregelingvoorjou.nl/ https://herstel.toeslagen.nl/kindregeling/kindregeling-steun-voor-kinderen-en-jongeren/ https://herstel.toeslagen.nl/dashboard-kinderopvangtoeslag/ 

Responsible use

Goal and impact

The aim is to identify which (foster) children are eligible for the allowance from the child scheme. These are (foster) children of aggrieved parents and (foster) children of current allowance partners of aggrieved parents and (foster) children of aggrieved former allowance partners of the aggrieved parent. By using the algorithm, (foster) children of aggrieved parents are recognised more efficiently, accurately and consistently. In this way, (foster) children entitled to relief can be helped as soon as possible. It is also possible for (foster) children of aggrieved parents to apply themselves.

Considerations

The use of this algorithm provides the following benefits:

• Speed and efficiency: this allows (foster) children of aggrieved parents to be helped as quickly as possible;
• Consistency: the consistent approach ensures that the group of (foster) children of aggrieved parents is always determined the same;
• Accuracy: determining the group of (foster) children of aggrieved parents is done very precisely;
• Traceability and reproducibility: the steps done are recorded and make clear why a (foster) child of duped parents was selected;
• Flexibility: the way the approach is set up allows room and flexibility to use new things in the processes that are in place.

Human intervention

• If a (foster) child falls under a special situation, his/her file is checked by hand;
• Random checks are also carried out to check by hand whether the (foster) children rightly receive the allowance;
• The results of the population determination are used by staff to send letters to parents and (foster) children about the allowance from the child scheme;
• The algorithm helps to identify (foster) children of those affected. Citizens can register themselves or their child if they think the scheme applies to them as well.

Risk management

• Risk management and safeguards

For the development of algorithms, the Surcharge Service has drawn up conditions, a quality framework. This contains rules and agreements that are followed when developing the algorithm. The conditions come from the National Audit Office and are guiding. The algorithm has business rules based on laws and regulations. These business rules are tested and maintained to remain compliant with laws and regulations and political wishes. When changes are made to an algorithm, the Supplementary Benefits Service tests whether the quality requirements are still met.

• Equality, non-discrimination and privacy

The use of data is tested against the General Data Protection Regulation (AVG). The AVG prescribes that no more data may be used than necessary. This is called data minimisation. The Benefits Agency regularly examines whether the data used are still necessary and may therefore be used. If this is not the case, the algorithm is adjusted and data are also no longer used.

• Profiling

The algorithm only uses data listed under the data heading. The use of data is reviewed to avoid profiling that is not allowed.

• Right of access

Citizens have the right to see the information collected about them. They can also apply to have this information amended.

Legal basis

• Surcharge Recovery Act, Section 2.2 (Articles 2.10 to 2.13a) and Article 6.12(3) Wht
• General Data Protection Regulation (Implementation) Act
• Citizen Service Number (General Provisions) Act
• Archives Act 1995
• Selection lists Benefits Agency

For more information see https://wetten.overheid.nl.

Impact assessment

• Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)
• Impact Assessment Mensenrechten en Algoritmes (IAMA)

Operations

Data

A dataset is produced with all (foster) children entitled to relief from the child scheme. The list of aggrieved parents is used for this purpose. In addition, the list is supplemented with the partners (currently) of the aggrieved parents and his or her (foster) children. Furthermore, information is added in order to implement the child scheme. For example, the name, age and address of the (foster) child, all (historical) siblings, and the details of the allowance partner and his or her (foster) children.

Technical design

The "population determination child scheme" is an algorithm that helps create an overview of (foster) children of aggrieved parents. In steps, the algorithm creates a dataset of (foster) children who are entitled to relief from the child scheme. In addition, the dataset is supplemented with data of the (foster) child and the data of the aggrieved parents needed for implementation. The algorithm consists of the following steps:

In step 1, the (foster) children and partner (currently) of parents who were victims of the Supplements Affair (duped parents) are determined. For all aggrieved parents and allowance partners, and aggrieved former allowance partners, the (foster) children are searched for in various information systems. These children are tabulated.

In step 2, the data from step 1 is supplemented with information needed to determine the next steps of treatment, such as the child's age, for example. Children should be born between 1 January 1984 and 5 November 2023.

In step 3, the data from steps 1 and 2 are supplemented with information on the aggrieved and recognised parents, allowance partners and aggrieved former allowance partners. This information is needed to determine the next steps of treatment for minor children. This includes information such as the addresses of the aggrieved and recognised parents.

In step 4, all (historical) siblings of (foster) children of aggrieved parents are determined.

In step 5, the amount they will receive as an allowance under the Supplementary Benefits Recovery Act is determined for each (foster) child.

In step 6, all information is used together to determine whether (foster) children are (possibly) entitled to relief from the child benefit scheme.

In step 7, it is checked whether the selected (foster) children are actually entitled to relief. Then the collected information can be used to complete the treatment.

If information is missing, for example if the affected decisions are not known, an address is wrong or not known or there is legal representation, the file is assessed by hand.