Complaints
Perhaps you don’t agree with what is happening in the asylum seekers centre. Or you are angry. Examples of this include:
- The shower in your home hasn’t been working for some time.
- A member of staff of the COA was unfriendly to you.
- You are angry because the neighbour makes too much noise.
Perhaps you can solve this together
It’s good to first talk to the person you are complaining about. You can then explain why you don’t agree with something. You can ask someone for help, for instance your neighbour, teacher or an acquaintance.Write down your complaint
Talking isn’t helping? Then write down your complaint. Ask the COA for a complaints form, in which you list a number of things:- Your name, address and the date when you are writing this letter.
- Explain why you are complaining.
- Also mention the date of the event you are complaining about.
- Write your name at the bottom of the letter.
A reply within six weeks
Within six weeks the COA needs to answer your complaint. If the COA has a good reason then it can reply another four weeks later. The COA does have to let you know this. The COA will give you a letter after these six weeks. In this letter the COA explains what it is doing with your complaint.
Not satisfied with the COA’s solution? Or, for instance, nothing has changed? Or the COA didn’t respond to your letter within six weeks?
You can then submit a new complaint with the national ombudsman or the ombudsman for children. He/she will examine whether the COA did everything right.
Important to know:
- As a child you can’t officially complain, so it’s practical if an adult also signs the letter.
- The COA gives you proof if you hand in a letter of complaint (this is called ‘proof of receipt’). Keep this document.
- The person you are complaining about will get a copy of your letter.
- Your complaint will be treated by someone else than the person you are complaining about.