Inspectorate investigating care for Vlaardingen girl, 10, critically hurt in foster care

The Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate (IGJ) has launched an investigation into “the quality and safety of care” provided to a 10-year-old Vlaardingen girl during her stay in a foster family. The child was hospitalized with critical injuries last week and hasn’t regained consciousness. Her foster parents are in custody for attempted manslaughter and serious child abuse.

The IGJ will work with the Justice and Security Inspectorate for this investigation. The Education Inspectorate is also involved. The girl had reportedly asked for help at school, reporting that her foster parents were abusing her. The police were called out at least once after the girl asked for help at a supermarket, sources previously told AD.

The girl’s mother also raised concerns multiple times, and locals said they reported signs of abuse to the municipality, foster care institution Enver, and Veilig Thuis, the agency that handles domestic abuse cases.

“With this investigation, the inspectorates want to determine whether the quality and safety of care provided to the girl was satisfactory,” The IGJ said. “The investigation should provide the healthcare providers involved with learning and improvement points for the future.”