The essay discusses the challenges faced by children in the French Child Welfare System, known as ASE, which aims to provide material, educational, and psychological support to young people under the age of 21 facing serious risks to their education and physical development. The system, previously known as DDASS, lacks the necessary support to help these young individuals integrate fully into society. As a result, a quarter of homeless individuals in France come from the ASE system, highlighting a significant lack of support in finding housing for young adults leaving the system at the age of 18.
Approximately 15,000 children are left to fend for themselves on their 18th birthdays, with minimal financial resources and facing higher rates of unemployment and dropout compared to their peers. This premature transition puts a strain on social, financial, and human aspects, leaving vulnerable young people without the support they desperately need after being removed from their families for protection and assistance. This highlights the urgent need to reform the system and ensure the rights and well-being of these children are protected.
Failing to provide support until the age of 21 is not only immoral but also illegal, affecting half of the cases in the system. It is crucial for the State to take responsibility and enforce the law to protect these children and hold violators accountable. A new policy focusing on the last 1,000 days before turning 18 is proposed, aiming to provide comprehensive support to children from the age of 15 to help them transition to independence successfully.
The essay emphasizes the importance of taking action to reform the system and offers six key measures to address the shortcomings. Building on the success of the “1,000 first days of a child” model established in 2019, the proposal suggests creating a policy focused on the “1,000 last days before adulthood” to guide children in care towards autonomy and self-sufficiency. This holistic approach aims to provide the necessary support and resources to help these young individuals navigate the challenges of transitioning into adulthood.
In conclusion, the essay calls for urgent reform of the French Child Welfare System to better support vulnerable children and ensure they receive the necessary assistance to transition into adulthood successfully. By addressing the systemic flaws and implementing targeted policies, it is possible to provide a more secure and supportive environment for children in care, ultimately improving their outcomes and well-being in the long term. The focus should be on empowering these young individuals and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive and contribute positively to society.
