Dutch police detain foster mother over child abuse, Forced farm work in Niekerk
Dutch police have detained a 54-year-old foster mother over abuse and neglect at a family-based care home in Niekerk, Groningen, where multiple children were beaten, neglected and forced to perform heavy, dangerous farm work.
Authorities say several children housed at the small-scale care home were mistreated over a period of years. The woman, who served as the foster mother, was arrested for her alleged involvement, NOS reports. The facility operated as a family home for children who could not live with their own families and was run by one or two professional foster parents.
The case became public in November after testimony from two children, a boy and a girl aged 9 and 10, during proceedings before a juvenile court. The children said they were abused over a three-year period, telling the court they were beaten and bitten by a dog owned by the operators of the care home. The children were later removed from the home.
Authorities were alerted after concerns were raised by the children’s school. Staff discovered that the girl had an untreated dog bite, prompting further investigation. The children were under the guardianship of the William Schrikker Stichting, which had placed them in the Niekerk home.
The Public Prosecution Service said no other suspects have been identified. Prosecutors declined to specify what offenses are under investigation. The woman has since been released from custody but remains a suspect. The criminal investigation is nearly complete, and prosecutors have not yet decided whether to file charges.
After the children’s testimony became public, earlier reports of problems at the same care home surfaced. In a previous case, a boy was transferred elsewhere following reports that he was belittled and forced to carry out heavy physical labor.
A separate investigation is also being conducted by the Inspectorate for Health Care and Youth. The inspectorate said it will not comment on preliminary findings while that inquiry remains ongoing.
