Can care workers be prosecuted for failings in system?
In the media image: 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash
The Dutch Public Prosecution Office is investigating whether to prosecute care workers involved in the Vlaardingen foster child case. Mariëlle Bruning told ‘de Volkskrant’ it will be difficult: 'It must be established that the care worker knew about the abuse.'
Almost two years ago, a then 10-year-old foster child from Vlaardingen was taken to hospital with serious injuries. In November, her foster parents were sentenced to eight years in prison for the serious abuse of her and three other foster children. An inspection report from January 2025 showed that care workers had made serious mistakes. The Public Prosecution Service is therefore investigating whether they should also be prosecuted.
'Demonstrating a direct link between the actions of a care worker and the damage to a child is difficult,' says Professor of Child Law Mariëlle Bruning. 'Manipulative parents can mislead care workers. For prosecution, it must be demonstrated that the care worker was aware of the abuse and deliberately let the parents do as they please. In addition, the youth care organisation is responsible for the actions of its employees.'