Sexual abuse of kids in care facilities up 19 percent

The number of reports of sexual abuse in youth care facilities increased by 19 percent in 2014. Last year 70 cases of sexual abuse were reported, compared to 59 in 2013.

This is according to the annual report published by the Youth Care Inspectorate on Tuesday. According to the report, the sexual abuse reports ranged from mild to severe forms of abuse. In most of the cases the abuse was committed by young people, but there are some cases where foster parents, parents and social workers were involved.

A total of 127 problems were recorded by the Inspectorate last year, compared to 119 in 2013. In addition to sexual abuse, the other incidents involved accidents, suicide or attempted suicide and unnatural deaths.

The inspection calls it very worrying that the number of suicides in youth care has increased for the third time in a row. Last year there were 10 suicides, compared to 8 in 2013 and one in 2012.