In Valenciennes, the Maison Claire Morandat welcomes young people from Child Welfare Services (ASE) after they come of age. Franceinfo went to meet them.
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A large national demonstration is being organized in Paris on Wednesday, September 25, to demand child protection worthy of the name. ASE (Child Welfare Assistance) professionals believe they can no longer do their job properly. Particularly at the end of the process, when these young people in care become adults, after having lived in foster families or homes for a long time. The protesting group estimates that 10,000 of them were abandoned to their fate last year, after their 18th birthday.
However, there are places where these young people from ASE are supported beyond their majority, until the time comes to take flight. The Maison Claire Morandat, in Valenciennes, has around sixty places in total, divided into different more or less autonomous sectors.
Morgane has been living for a month at the top of the communal house, where nine other young people and a team of educators live. She occupies a large studio, with a single bed, “a desk, a table, a kitchen in case I want to eat alone.” In his fridge: “Vegetables, fruits…”she describes.
At almost 19 years old, Morgane gains a little independence every day : “When we are ready to do our shopping on our own, they let us go. This week, I will normally do it on my own.” The young woman admits to being proud of herself and “feel much better.”
The structure is funded by the department and managed by SOS Children’s Villages. It has existed since 1986 but has gradually expanded. The young people who live there have been in homes and foster families but are now adults. Elsewhere, they would be released into the wild. This structure represents a transition to real adult life. An essential step, says Laura, who is 18: “Since I’ve been in care since I was two, I don’t know how I could live without child protection. I can’t manage on my own right now.”
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Today, there are 37 professional supervisors who provide educational, social, etc. support. They are present at all times, day and night: “If we cut our finger, we don’t know what to do, we panic, we go down and they’re there. Whereas in 168, no, we’re more independent.” THE “168”, in local jargon, means the next step. When Laura will occupy a semi-independent studio – like about thirty young people – outside the house, often a few minutes walk from the structure.
Abdel, one of the educators, will only come once or three times a week, depending on needs: “The goal is not to assist them, but to develop autonomy. So if we go there every day, that’s not very good either.” But we have to reassure, to be there when there is no more family.
“For example, this afternoon we have an appointment at the bank with a young person. An account is being opened. Obviously at 18, you’re not used to managing this on your own so you can be accompanied.”
Abdel, one of the assistantsto franceinfo
One day, however, as with Pauline, it is necessary to leave: “My release is scheduled for December. I’m going to be 21 soon.” A perspective that makes “still a little bit” fear to the young woman. She is currently visiting apartments, for her life after. But she will always be able to request help from this team, until she is 25 years old. A service says “immediately”rare elsewhere in France and which the entire sector would like to see develop. For young people in Child Welfare Services (ASE), moving into their own accommodation at the end of this transition is truly the desirable gateway to their independent adult life.