Market Data
The Stigmatized Term: "Minors"
The term "minors" is often used in a context that sends a clear and troubling signal: "danger." It’s a label that is not commonly applied to children in routine scenarios. For instance, no parent would say, "I took my ‘minor’ to the doctor" or "My ‘minor’ was sent back from college." Instead, this term is reserved for a specific subset of children—those under the care of Social Aid for Childhood (ASE), those placed by a judge, foreign and isolated minors, and those who have committed crimes. It also includes children who are not entirely "square" or those suffering from psychiatric disorders. This designation serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often troubled lives these children lead.
The Demographic Reality
The "minors" in question are predominantly from poor backgrounds and single-parent families. Many of these children have been victims of severe abuse or violence and often live in neighborhoods where delinquency and crime are rampant. Alarmingly, about half of the delinquent minors have previously been under the care of child protection services. This statistic underscores a systemic failure, where the very institutions meant to protect these children are often unable to provide the necessary support and intervention.
The bureaucratic Lag and Institutional Failures
Child protection is a complex and often labyrinthine process. Children’s judges and social workers often express their frustration with the lengthy delays in executing decisions. These delays can leave children in dangerous situations, even when the authorities are aware of the risks. A magistrate specializing in child protection recently highlighted this issue during a conference in Bordeaux in November 2024. The magistrate described the situation as an "ordeal" for the children, who remain in violent or abusive homes while awaiting placement. Even when placement is finally secured, the children often find themselves in foster homes that are poorly monitored, increasing the risk of further abuse.
The Betrayal of Trust
The trauma experienced by these children is exacerbated by the systemic failures that surround them. How can these children, who have been repeatedly let down by the adult world, be expected to trust or place their faith in the very institutions that are supposed to protect them? The question is particularly poignant when considering the foundational values of "freedom, equality, fraternity" that are so central to the nation’s ethos. For these children, these values often ring hollow, a distant and unattainable ideal.
Institutional Criticism and Reform Efforts
The inadequacies of the child protection system are not going unnoticed. The Defender of Rights’ report in November 2024, along with an opinion from the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, have both highlighted these issues. Josiane Bigot, a former children’s judge, has been particularly vocal in her criticism, denouncing the failures of the child protection system. Additionally, a parliamentary survey is currently underway, chaired by Socialist Party deputy Isabelle Santiago. Santiago has likened the state to a "failing parent" for these neglected children, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic reform.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
The plight of these "minors" is a stark reflection of a system in crisis. The repeated failures to protect some of the most vulnerable members of society highlight a deep-seated issue that requires immediate attention. It is crucial that policymakers, social workers, and the broader community come together to address these shortcomings. Only through concerted effort and systemic change can the trust of these children be restored, ensuring that they are provided with the support and care they desperately need.
