Gelderland youth care investigated over sex offender's foster home

An investigation was launched into youth institution Pactum and Youth Protection Gelderland following reports that a convicted sex offender managed to have at least three foster children placed with him in 2011, AD and the Gelderlander reports.

The investigation is being done by the Ministries of Security and Justice and Public Health, Welfare and Sports, according to the newspapers.

The case revolves around 51-year-old Paul van M. In the year 2000 he was convicted for sexually abusing his 14-year-old niece. Despite this conviction he and his partner Anneke K. still managed to open a foundation in Huissen that offered a "safe and secure home environment" for foster children. At least three kids were placed wit them. 

Van M. was also convicted for sexually assaulting his oldest foster daughter between January and October 2011. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison. He appealed against the sentence and is therefore not in custody.

After that conviction, Van M. moved to Germany, where he is currently on trial for raping a 22-year-old Syrian woman in an asylum center that he runs. 

Miriam van der Geer of Youth Protection Gelderland confirmed the investigation to AD. A spokesperson for Minister Ard van der Steur of Security and Justice told the newspaper that he will inform parliament "about the actual state of affairs surrounding the incident" before the end of the year.