A crèche is, once once more, suspected of acts of abuse in Belgium. Several facts have been revealed in recent weeks, particularly in Flanders. This time, a crèche in Aubel (province of Liège) is targeted. The Birth and Childhood Office has decided to close its doors for an indefinite period. Several children were said to have been mistreated there.
The case broke a month ago. An adult handprint is marked on the upper thigh of a two-year-old child. The parents filed a complaint for acts of violence. During the investigation, fifteen testimonies of abuse were collected by the Birth and Childhood Office. “Traces of beatings, taking children violently by the hand, throwing water on children,… This is what was brought back to us”indicates Hugo Snackers, the sub-regional coordinator of the ONE in the province of Liège.
ONE has therefore decided to close this private crèche. The director was removed from her post. A childcare worker was singled out. “There is also a bit of harassment for former workers who worked there. We are following the case as closely as possible. We are very attentive because it bothers a lot of parents in our town”, adds Freddy Lejeune, the mayor of Aubel.
Today, regarding forty families find themselves without a reception structure for their children. Places are also becoming increasingly rare in the region, but the ONE intends to find a solution. “We should appoint a new director with a new time as a childcare worker to revive the activity”concludes Hugo Snackers.
In the meantime, the investigation continues. The former director remains unreachable by phone. Several parents called on a lawyer.
