Taking in a Child Out of Love, Without Receiving the Necessary Support

A.D. was teaching a 5-year-old girl. She knew the girl’s father needed a break. So, without hesitation, she offered to take the girl into her home from time to time. But the DPJ caseworker told her that the child had to be removed from her family immediately. A.D. didn’t hesitate to open her door to her. What a surprise she had when she realized that the little girl had arrived with her 3-year-old brother!

Overnight, A.D. and her partner had to adjust their daily lives to meet the needs of two young children. Clothes, beds, toys, car seats, and even a new car—the expenses piled up.

Meanwhile, the process of getting them recognized as a local foster family dragged on well beyond the announced deadlines. This situation deprived them, for several months, of the financial support and services normally provided to recognized foster families.

A reality that goes beyond a single story

A.D.’s story is representative of that of many children and families participating in the legal action brought by the FFARIQ.

Every year, grandparents, family members, or other significant adults agree to take in children under the care of the DPJ. Often, this decision is made in a rush, out of love or attachment to the child.

However, during the assessment process, these individuals do not receive the same support as already-certified foster families. These disparities do not affect only the adults who take in the children; they can also limit the children’s access to the professional services, activities, and support they need.

For FFARIQ, a child’s needs should never depend on the administrative status of the person caring for them.

A Legal Challenge to Defend Children’s Rights

To denounce these inequalities, FFARIQ—alongside children and local foster families—has filed a legal challenge to contest legislative provisions deemed discriminatory.

This initiative seeks to secure recognition of the right of children placed with a significant other to receive support tailored to their needs, on the same footing as other children in the care of the DPJ.

The consequences of these disparities in treatment can also be felt when young people reach the age of majority, particularly with regard to access to certain services and the support necessary to continue their journey toward independence.

The FFARIQ believes it is essential to correct these inequalities so that all children can benefit from the same opportunities for development and fulfillment.

The best interests of the child must remain the priority

Local foster families play a vital role in supporting children facing difficult circumstances. By providing them with a familiar, safe, and caring environment, they contribute to the children’s stability and development.

They should not have to shoulder alone responsibilities that also fall to the government.

A child placed in the care of the DPJ remains a child in need of support, no matter where they grow up. The FFARIQ thanks A.D. for agreeing to share her story and thereby helping to raise awareness of a reality that remains all too little known. It also thanks journalist Mylène Moisan for bringing this issue to light in her column published in Le Soleil.

To learn more about this legal action and view related news reports, visit our Media section