The European Collectivity of Alsace, responsible for child welfare, has created “parenting educators” positions in its various facilities over the past two years. This is to prevent children from being placed in care for too long. A first assessment has just been conducted, showing positive results.
This is the primary budget item of the European Collectivity of Alsace: child welfare with a budget of 350 million euros dedicated annually to the protection of children and adolescents, especially those in danger. These minors are increasingly numerous: there were 5,352 children placed last year, which is 700 more than four years ago.
In response to this increase, the CEA has been implementing a transformation of its policy over the past two years, focusing more on supporting parents so that children, in less serious cases, can eventually return home. 29 parenting educator positions have been established. A first evaluation has been carried out by the CEA.
Their role is to help parents gradually rebuild the relationship with their placed children. Laetitia Callegher, head of the service, stated: “We aim to meet with all parents so they can talk about their journey, who they are, why their child was placed, without judgment. We set goals for their children with them, and put in place tools to potentially facilitate their return home.” Around thirty families are currently being supported by the team.
Aurélie, for example, received this support for a year and a half for herself and her 6-year-old daughter, Lilya, placed in a care facility in December 2023. She expressed, “They gradually integrated me into typical parental tasks like taking my daughter to the doctor, participating in school outings. I rebuilt a relationship with my daughter. I felt like a mother again.” Aurélie now lives with her daughter while awaiting a final court decision.
This parenting support policy has become one of the top priorities of child welfare in the European Collectivity of Alsace, with Ludovic Maréchal as its director. He emphasized, “In our child welfare prevention-protection strategy, we have chosen to support parenting. We aim to support parents to prevent separation measures, and when separation occurs, we believe that by investing in restoring the parent’s skills, trusting them, and providing resources to work with these parents, family reunification can occur.”
However, the return of the child to their family is not always possible, especially in severe cases. In the end, it is the justice system that makes the final decision.
