Three youth care workers are suspected of raping minors.
Three youth care workers are facing charges of rape for assaulting underage girls at a facility in Alphen aan den Rijn. The public prosecutor confirmed the charges against the men aged 20, 24, and 28.
The suspects from Rotterdam, Lidkippingdam, and Maslouis worked for the youth care agency I-Hub on site. The public prosecutor accuses them of grossly abusing their positions with residents aged 12 to 16.
The 24-year-old suspect was arrested in September. He appeared in court in The Hague on Tuesday. Officials believe he raped a 14-year-old girl under his direct care.
The other two men were detained on November 26. They remain in pre-trial detention. I-Hab staff supervise these vulnerable young people daily.
The facility in Alphen aan den Rijn has faced previous criticisms. In September, the social inspection indicated care below the required standards. Regulatory authorities ordered reforms within three months and halted new admissions. Now, only agency staff are used for night shifts.