Cabinet horrified by report on abused foster child; caregiver suspended

The Dutch cabinet expressed shock after a report revealed severe neglect and abuse of a foster child in Vlaardingen. Four ministers outlined the findings in a letter to the parliament, emphasizing the need for reform in the youth care sector to prevent such incidents in the future. In relation to the case, the caregiver responsible for the foster child has been placed on suspension by the foster care organization Enver.

The cabinet’s response follows an investigation by the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) and the Inspectorate for Justice and Security (IJV), which found that the 11-year-old girl was not believed when she reported her abuse. The report raised questions about the failure of various institutions to act on clear signs of distress from the child.

In connection with the case, the caregiver assigned to the foster child has been suspended by the foster care organization Enver. A spokesperson for Enver confirmed the suspension but did not comment on specific details about the caregiver’s conduct, which had been reported by De Telegraaf. The newspaper previously reported that the caregiver, who had a close relationship with the foster parents, had been seen socializing with them in an unprofessional manner.

Enver’s spokesperson stated that the caregiver had failed to act according to guidelines and protocols, which led to the "tunnel vision" that ultimately resulted in the child’s suffering. The organization is now under "intensified supervision" by the inspectors, who are continuing their review of the case.

According to the ministers, Teun Struycken (Justice), Vincent Karremans (Youth), Vicky Maeijer (Long-Term and Social Care), and Mariëlle Paul (Primary Education), immediate improvements must be made in the handling of foster care cases. They stated that one potential step could be to require schools to consult "Veilig Thuis" (Safe Home) in case of doubts regarding a child's well-being. The ministers also noted the need for better screening of foster parents.

"It is crucial that involved organizations take the necessary steps to ensure the lasting safety of children," the ministers wrote. They also pledged to continue holding foster care, youth care, and educational institutions accountable.

While the inspections did not specifically recommend changes to foster parent screening, the ministers acknowledged that improvements are necessary. They raised concerns over how the foster parents involved in this case were approved and allowed to continue in their roles. The possibility of "continuous screening" for foster parents is under consideration.

In response to the findings, the cabinet has instructed Jeugdzorg Nederland, the national organization for youth care, to review guidelines in light of the case. The inspectors found that existing protocols had been in place but were not followed, prompting the government to focus on ensuring better adherence to current rules rather than introducing new ones.

Aside from reinforcing the enforcement of existing guidelines, the ministers urged organizations to address any "gut feeling" suspicions, recommending that concerns be acted upon when necessary. The report highlighted that the young girl, despite repeatedly asking for help, was left without support and was ultimately hospitalized with serious and permanent injuries.

The municipality of Vlaardingen, where the abuse occurred, also expressed its shock. In a statement, it acknowledged that the girl did not receive the protection and safety she deserved. The report from the IGJ and IJV emphasized that the child’s attempts to raise alarms were ignored, a failure that the municipality called a "tragic oversight."

The local authorities also pointed out that the child had no designated trusted person to turn to for help, a right she should have been informed about. The municipality has stated it will address this issue internally.

The local police called the case "deeply tragic" and emphasized the need for ongoing self-reflection among all parties involved to prevent similar incidents in the future.