Brussels-City offers free babysitting for single parents

The City of Brussels will offer single parents a free babysitter for 20 hours a year in order to relieve their burden and support them financially.

A budget of €150,000 will be made available to fund the new service, which is already in full swing, Bruzz reports.

One-third of Brussels households are made up of single-parent families who are often socially, economically and mentally overburdened.

With only one income, they are also at increased risk of poverty.

Brussels alderwoman Faouzia Hariche said the funds are being used to recruit and train necessary staff and reimburse their travel expenses, though Hariche was not yet able to state how many babysitters the service is targeting.

Parents who meet the criteria will be able to receive up to 20 free one-hour vouchers per year, starting this month, with some babysitters already available.

Those interested should email babysitting@brucity.be