A former daycare worker in the Bern region faces serious charges, accused of sexually abusing at least 15 children. Prosecutors have filed an indictment detailing 50 alleged incidents. The case is set to go to court next spring, bringing to light disturbing questions about child safety in care facilities.
Key Takeaways
- An ex-daycare employee faces 50 abuse charges involving 15 children.
- Incidents allegedly occurred in two different daycare centers, one in the Bern region.
- The Bern daycare facility has implemented enhanced security measures, including non-recording video cameras.
- There is no national 'blacklist' for daycare workers, unlike for teachers in Switzerland.
Serious Allegations in Childcare Facilities
The Bern Public Prosecutor's Office for Special Tasks filed charges against the former daycare employee three months ago. The man is accused of committing sexual abuse against children aged four to five years old. These alleged acts took place in two separate daycare centers. One of these facilities is located in the Bern region, while the other is in a different canton.
The accused worked at the Bern daycare for approximately one year before his arrest in February 2024. The total number of alleged incidents stands at 50, affecting a minimum of 15 children. This case highlights a significant concern within the childcare sector.
Case Details
- Accused: Former daycare employee, approximately 30 years old.
- Charges: 50 counts of sexual abuse.
- Victims: At least 15 children, aged 4-5 years.
- Locations: Two daycare centers, one in Bern region, one in another canton.
- Arrest: February 2024.
- Trial: Scheduled for next spring in Bern.
Daycare Management Expresses Shock and Implements Changes
The management of the Bern daycare facility confirmed that abuse cases occurred. The director, through legal counsel Emanuel Zloczower, expressed deep distress over the events. "My client is distraught," Zloczower stated. "Abuse is the worst thing that can happen in a daycare, for both those affected and for the caregivers."
The daycare management strongly refuted claims that they ignored early warnings about the employee's inappropriate behavior. According to Zloczower, there were no indications of abusive conduct during the hiring process or at any later point. The facility only learned of the severe allegations after the man's arrest.
"Abuse is the worst thing that can happen in a daycare, for both those affected and for the caregivers."
Overhauling Security Measures
Following the incidents, the Bern daycare has significantly strengthened its existing security protocols. One key change is a strict policy prohibiting staff members from being alone with children in the sleeping area. Furthermore, the daycare has installed video cameras in the sleeping rooms. These cameras operate without a recording function.
Zloczower explained the necessity of these measures. He noted that without such technology, the staff numbers would likely need to double, which would be impractical. The daycare management believes these steps are crucial for enhancing child protection.
Protection Protocols
The daycare confirmed it met all safety regulations from the cantonal supervisory authority. Despite this, the employee reportedly found ways to bypass existing protective measures. The incidents are believed to have occurred in the sleeping room.
Challenges in Employee Vetting and Information Sharing
The process of vetting daycare employees has come under scrutiny. When the accused was hired, he resided in the canton of Zurich, a common situation for young professionals in the sector who frequently change their place of residence. The daycare followed all standard hiring procedures, including obtaining a private criminal record extract and a special criminal record extract.
The special criminal record extract is a more comprehensive document. It is accessible only to specific authorities and includes information on convictions, activity bans, or ongoing proceedings. This extract is designed for individuals considered for sensitive roles, like childcare.
No National Blacklist for Daycare Workers
According to Kibesuisse, the Swiss Childcare Association, a national blacklist for daycare employees does not exist. This contrasts with the system for teachers, where the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Education has maintained a list of teachers whose teaching licenses have been revoked due to convictions since 2004.
Since January 2023, cantonal supervisory authorities, not the daycares themselves, are responsible for obtaining the expanded criminal record extract. These authorities must also annually review the reputation of all employees in childcare facilities. Daycares are required to submit lists of their staff to the supervisory authorities each year.
Vetting Procedures
- Private criminal record extract: Provided by employee.
- Special criminal record extract: Obtained by cantonal authorities since Jan 2023.
- Annual reputation check: Conducted by cantonal authorities.
Calls for Improved Information Flow and Prevention
Kibesuisse supports the idea of a blacklist for daycare employees. However, Maximiliano Wepfer, spokesperson for Kibesuisse, emphasized that improved information flow is even more critical. "Authorities must communicate with each other to prevent children from being endangered," he stated.
Prevention work is equally important, Wepfer noted. This involves sensitizing care teams through training and continuous education. The goal is to raise awareness about potential risks and protective measures. Despite these efforts, Wepfer acknowledged that even robust prevention cannot guarantee the elimination of all abuse cases.
When incidents like these occur, Kibesuisse calls for a "prompt and complete clarification of the inexcusable assaults." The Bern daycare has informed parents about the abuse cases. The facility continues to operate under new management, a change that was not directly related to the abuse incidents.