Overview
- John (Van den B.) and Daisy W. went on trial in Rotterdam in a three‑day hearing over the alleged abuse of four foster children, including a 10‑year‑old girl.
- The foster father told the court he restrained the girl for safety because she allegedly self‑harmed and tried to start fires, while rejecting accusations of severe mistreatment.
- Prosecutors say the girl was bound, kept in a cage‑like structure with apparent wiring, had duct tape placed on her mouth, and was confined after her door handle was removed.
- The case began after the child was taken to hospital in May 2024 unconscious, severely underweight and with multiple untreated fractures and brain injury; the foster parents were arrested a week later.
- Inspectorates concluded placement and protection bodies Enver and WSS failed the child, and the government is advancing measures including a proposed law for extra supervision of children under guardianship.