The investigation conducted by Sylvain Louvet into the heart of Child Welfare Services reveals the extent of a previously suppressed reality. It shows overwhelmed and sometimes abusive caregivers, children in deep distress in extremely grave situations. The situation with foster families is hardly more positive. Inspections are rare, and some foster caregivers, even those convicted of abuse, continue to welcome children. In France, the state leaves the responsibility of deciding the fate of 300,000 placed children to the departments. Eight billion euros are distributed each year, with a portion going to associations with sometimes opaque operations. In the face of these abuses, educators and judges decry the lack of resources to protect these vulnerable children.
119: A hotline for any child or adolescent victim of violence or any person concerned about a child in danger or at risk.