Talpa works on new reality tv show: pick a foster parent
Saturday 07 July 2012
Television production group Talpa is working on a new reality show in which foster children would be allowed to pick their favourite foster parents, news agency ANP reported on Saturday.
ANP says an Amsterdam youth social work group has already asked foster parents if they are prepared to work on a pilot programme. During the show, a child would spend a weekend with three separate families and then pick which one to live with.
The Spirit organisation says it is pleased to cooperate with Talpa to 'find out if it is possible to make a good, responsible television serious about this subject'. The show could be a way of reducing waiting lists for foster places, Spirit told ANP.
It is not certain the show will go ahead, and Spirit has not yet had any reactions from foster families who would like to take part, ANP said.
Talpa is owned by John de Mol, who was behind the Big Brother television format.
Would this make good television viewing? Have your say using the comment form below.
© DutchNews.nl
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What a wasted opportunity. A well- produced documentary series could have done so much to promote fostering: there are always too many children growing up in care, which is an impersonal environment.
But to have a show in a 'blind date' format? These aren't adults who can walk away from a relationship afterwards! This could totally mess a child up at a time when they are feeling most vulnerable; especially if the 'new family' was only in it for the 15 minutes of fame, and rejected the child shortly afterwards.
That the Youth Social Work group are even working with these idiots is beyond me - aren't they supposed to PROTECT the children in their care, rather than exploit them?
By osita | 7 July 2012 6:52 PMTotally ridiculous idea!
By Donaugh | 8 July 2012 11:11 AMThe children could go for weekends, that's maybe a good idea. Though I think a weekend is too short a time to make such an important decision in a childs life.
Putting it on TV is not about helping children, it's all about making money! Exploiting vulnerable children for financial gain is child abuse IMO!
I've hated the whole concept of the "reality" show from the start & it just gets more ridiculous all the time! eg the UVA fiasco with hospital patients.
If the government are looking for something to ban this kind of trash TV would be top of my list.
You stay classy Dutch tv!
By @CluthaDubh | 8 July 2012 2:54 PM"You should watch Dutch TV," they say, "It will help you learn Dutch!" they say.
Yep, and lose my will to live. I'll stick with BBC 4, thanks...
By CW | 9 July 2012 8:16 AMThis is the total exploitation of children who clearly do not have parents to look after their rights. I should think this would be illegal without parental consent, which they clearly don't have or they would not be in need of foster homes.
By Quest | 9 July 2012 5:09 PM