Investigation Launched into Possible Misconduct at Peer After-School Care
Police have launched an investigation into possible boundary-crossing behavior at the municipal after-school care facility Plons in Peer, a city in Belgian Limburg. The probe follows a report filed by a parent in early August, according to VRT NWS.
The Report and Investigation
Mayor Steven Matheï (CD&V) confirmed the investigation to VRT NWS, stating that “the report about a possible incident of boundary-crossing behavior came in early August to the city.” The alleged incident occurred at the Plons after-school care facility, which operates at five locations across the city during the school year but centralizes care at the Peer-centrum location during vacation periods.
According to HLN, the report concerns possible boundary-crossing behavior “between an employee and a child who was present at the care facility.” The parent of the child involved filed a complaint with the police simultaneously with the report to the city.
The city of Peer has stated it takes the report seriously and is cooperating fully with the investigation. The case has been reported to Agentschap Opgroeien, the Flemish childcare supervisory agency, as required by regulatory procedures.
Transparent Communication with Parents
On Friday, August 28, the city sent an email to all parents of children using the after-school care facility, informing them about the ongoing investigation. The communication came after the city noted “unrest” among parents in recent days.
“The report was immediately taken seriously and the city of Peer provides its full cooperation to the competent authorities,” the email stated. The city also detailed its response: “The situation was immediately evaluated and extra attention was requested for supervision and vigilance. The file was reported to the agency Opgroeien, the Flemish childcare supervisor. Additionally, we are examining whether additional lessons can be drawn from this situation for our operations and procedures.”
The Internetgazet, a local news outlet, reported that the city hopes police and the public prosecutor’s office can conduct their investigation “in serenity.”
Precautionary Measures and Continued Operations
The city has implemented precautionary measures to ensure children can continue to attend the care facility safely, though the specific details cannot be disclosed while the investigation is ongoing. The after-school care has continued to operate with these measures in place.
Mayor Matheï told HLN: “We have provided our full cooperation to the investigation. At the same time, we naturally also took a number of precautionary measures to ensure that all children can continue to come to the care facility in a safe manner.”
In the email to parents, the mayor and the general director of the city expressed continued confidence in the team leader of the childcare facility, stating that the team leader “has always acted correctly” towards all involved.
Regulatory Context and Recent Cases
The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of childcare facilities in Flanders. In March 2026, a childcare facility in Borsbeek was closed after a report of boundary-crossing behavior by a former staff member, as VRT NWS reported. The closure affected 17 children and followed a decision by the facility’s governing organization to end operations entirely.
Agentschap Opgroeien, the Flemish government agency responsible for supervising childcare, has the authority to take emergency measures in cases of serious concerns, including suspending or revoking licenses. The agency’s involvement in the Peer case reflects standard procedure for such reports.
The city of Peer operates Plons as its municipal after-school care service, serving families across the city’s four sub-municipalities. Peer, with approximately 16,788 inhabitants, is located in the Belgian province of Limburg.
What’s Next
The investigation by police and the public prosecutor’s office remains ongoing. The city has stated it hopes the authorities can conduct their work without interference and has committed to maintaining transparent communication with parents.
As the new school year approaches, the city has assured families that all measures are being taken to ensure children can safely continue to attend the after-school care facility. The outcome of the investigation and any potential actions by Agentschap Opgroeien will be closely watched by parents and the wider community.