Italy, nursery owner and educator placed under house arrest over suspected abuse and lack of food and water

The 42-year-old owner of a nursery and a 24-year-old educator have been placed under house arrest in Italy after being suspected of mistreating children and practicing their profession without the required authorization.

The investigation concerns a nursery in the province of Monza and Brianza, attended by children ranging in age from a few months to 3 years. According to the allegations, the children were not properly provided with food and water.

The investigative operations were carried out by the Mobile Squad of the Monza Police Commissariat. Authorities suspect that degrading disciplinary methods were used at the facility, while care for the children was inadequate and the conduct toward them was often inappropriate.

The precautionary measure was enforced in the early hours of Monday, August 10. It had been signed by the judge for preliminary investigations in Monza at the request of the Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation, which began in April, revealed that the 24-year-old educator had started working in January without holding the required professional qualification. According to investigators, the owner employed her under these conditions for approximately seven months.

The educator is also suspected of using excessively forceful and inappropriate physical contact toward several children, who showed signs of distress. The reactions of some of them following a report helped prompt the launch of the investigation.

Two other educators, aged 32 and 49 respectively, have also been included in the same investigation. Suspected evidence has been gathered against them, but no precautionary measure has been imposed so far.

Police searched the homes of the suspects in the provinces of Monza and Brianza, Bergamo and Parma.

Searches were also carried out at the nursery, where the incidents are believed to have occurred, with the aim of securing further evidence. The investigation is continuing to fully clarify the circumstances of the incident and the responsibilities of those involved.