(biological or adoptive) remains the rule; institutionalisation should be the exception and
considered in a temporary perspective.
Number of public structures including the social action districts, judicial social services, the
police, the gendarmerie, district offices are ideal places to serve as first points of meeting and
listening to children in need of special protection measures. The cases referred to them are:
- Abandoned children;
- Denial of pregnancy;
- Child abuse;
- Child support;
- Childcare;
- Child runaway;
- Theft;
- Inheritance.
Only one public structure provides support for street children. It is the centre of integration
and reintegration of vulnerable children (CIREV), which accommodates the children on
temporary basis before their reintegration into family. This centre offers seven services to
residents children: temporary accommodation (counselling and security), school enrolment /
re-schooling, health care, food, psychological support, vocational training, support for
income-generating activities. With the support of UNESCO and on experimental basis for the
period 2004- 2005, twelve children were reintegrated into their families through
resocialisation action using apprenticeship (sewing, hairdressing, leather goods, pastry, fine
arts) .
Judicial measures
Legal action intervenes in case of failure of administrative measures or in case of reporting,
referral or to self-referral of the juvenile judge. The judge may order the following judicial
measures:
1 Social investigation;
2 Educational action in an open environment;
1 Placement in foster family;
2 Placement in a public or private alternative care setting (orphanage, centre);
3 The legal custody of the child entrusted to one of the parents;
4 Withholding of wage for child support purposes.
Furthermore, legal action may be taken against the perpetrators of neglect, abandonment,
violence, child abuse. The penalties range from a mere fine to imprisonment.
Partners’ action
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