The Ministry of Justice calls on the French to welcome “minors monitored by the judicial protection of youth”

“You have everything you need to become a host family!” according to the slogan chosen for this campaign, which is aimed at all those who “have interpersonal skills, listening skills, authority and patience”.

A slogan, on-call duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and compensation… The Ministry of Justice launched an appeal on Monday March 25 to the French to welcome “minors followed by the judicial protection of youth (PJJ)“. For the occasion, the ministry is launching a campaign with the slogan: “You have everything you need to become a host family!“

It is aimed at French people who wish to welcome a young person in difficulty: “This mode of care makes it possible to offer an educational response to minors and young adults who need to evolve in a stable family life context to reintegrate.“, explains the ministry.

The campaign targets all profiles: woman or man, single or in a couple, with or without children, working or retired. “The main thing is to have interpersonal skills, listening skills, authority and patience“, specifies the ministry. Family placements are sometimes offered as part of the judicial follow-up of a young person who has committed offenses. This measure aims to provide the young person with a “secure framework“. Candidate individuals or families must offer a personal living space. They ensure “accommodation, food and provide guidelines for life”.

“Long-term work that produces great successes”

Robin Stozicky, who heads the educational placement establishment, is responsible for recruiting these families for the Béthune area. “We are going to have couples, young retirees, single people, with or without children”he explains.

“The idea is to have interpersonal skills, listening skills, and authority to set limits and reassure the young person. And also patience.”

Robin Stozicky, director of the Artois educational placement establishment

at franceinfo

“We must support adolescents who, for the most part, have a very fragmented journey, made up of ruptures. It is a long-term job but one which produces great successescontinues Robin Stozicky. Minors who have managed to settle down, who build their project, who, years after the end of care, continue to present themselves to the host family. It could be great.”

The young people in question are between 13 and 21 years old. They are either prosecuted or criminally convicted. 665 are currently placed in families of this type. But we should be able to develop this formula much further.

The welcoming people, who must have a clean record, sign an agreement which specifies, among other things, whether the young person will be welcomed all week or only on weekends. These families are supported by professionals, educators and psychologists in particular. The ministry offers on-call support open 24/7 in the event of questions or difficulties: “PJJ professionals (educators, psychologists) provide a front-line telephone response, and can travel to the site if necessary.“, explains the Ministry of Justice.

The duration of the reception is flexible (weekdays, weekends or for a few months). Host families receive compensation of 45 euros per day per young person.