Ombudsman approves new crèche rules

Date: 23/11/00

By John Shelley

THE European Commission has introduced strict rules to govern how staff in its crèches should react to allegations of sexual abuse.

The regulations lay down specific instructions for managers and those working with children if parents complain that their youngsters have suffered sexual or other serious abuse at the hands of crèche staff.

The new rules come three years after allegations first surfaced of abuse at the European Commission's Clovis crèche, which was run by outside contractors.

In March, European Ombudsman Jacob Söderman criticised the EU executive for taking too long to introduce procedures to tackle such problems, claiming there was "prima facie evidence of maladministration." He has, however, endorsed the Commission's new rules. "At the time parents were very upset about the way the affair was handled but they are happy now with the procedures," said a spokesman for Söderman.

When allegations of abuse at the Clovis crèche surfaced, parents were particularly angry that they were not kept informed of developments. The new rules require that parents of alleged victims must be notified about any action and that parents of other children at the same crèche must be informed at an appropriate stage.

But the rules fall short of a commitment to keep all parents fully informed because of the need to protect the identity of children and the presumption of innocence of any staff member accused of wrongdoing.

Two former employees of the Clovis Crèche, then managed by Belgian company ESEDRA, have been charged with rape and indecent assault. The case is still pending.

The European Commission has introduced strict rules to govern how staff in its crèches should react to allegations of sexual abuse.