Increased Risks for Children in Precarious Situations in Shelters and Hotels in 2025
Faced with the proliferation of temporary accommodations such as shelters and hotels for families in extreme poverty, an alarming observation has emerged this year: these places are becoming breeding grounds for serious abuses, particularly child prostitution. During her Senate hearing on June 11, 2025, French Human Rights Defender Claire Hédon warned of the harmful impact of these shelters on the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.With more than 3 million children living in poverty in France, according to a recent report, the situation is worsening. These housing conditions, often precarious and poorly supervised, fuel a dangerous climate for young people. Associations such as the French Red Cross and SOS Children’s Villages denounce this increased vulnerability, leaving these children exposed to the risks of trafficking and sexual exploitation. The situation calls for increased vigilance and urgent measures to protect these vulnerable populations, as marginalization and instability in their housing become a real vector of danger.How precariousness and housing act as catalysts for risk Bed and breakfasts and hotels, often chosen for their convenience and low cost, rarely offer a secure environment. Their management is sometimes flawed or poorly regulated, allowing malicious individuals to operate there. The economic insecurity of families separates their children from any educational or social support, making it difficult to detect early signs of abuse or exploitation. One of the major causes lies in the lack of suitable childcare facilities, which often pushes families to favor emergency housing in unsupervised places unsuitable for the safety of minors. Risks include: Sexual exploitation by third parties taking advantage of the lack of supervision
Exposure to emerging prostitution, facilitated by isolation and lack of support
Mental, emotional, and physical deterioration that compromises their future Studies indicate that more than 25% of children housed in these conditions are likely to be victims of abuse or trafficking. The relationship between precarious housing and vulnerability is part of a vicious cycle that requires increased intervention at all levels. The Abbé Pierre Foundation emphasizes the need to adopt a comprehensive approach combining prevention, support, and protection, particularly through Child Welfare Services (ASE).The challenge of prevention: strengthening the protection of minors in emergency accommodation
To counter these phenomena, various stakeholders are committed to a preventive approach. Organizations such as CNESCO and CNAPE emphasize that prevention begins with better identification of children in dangerous situations and enhanced training for reception staff. Possible actions include:
- Creating tools for early detection of risky situations, particularly through regular visits
- Specialized training for workers to quickly identify distress signals
- Organizing a communication network between all accommodation facilities and the relevant authorities for a rapid response
Implementing appropriate psychosocial support systems
Accommodation facilities must also follow a specific framework, such as that proposed by the
Haute Autorité de Santé (High Authority for Health), which ensures that each child receives comprehensive support tailored to their needs. Solidarity initiatives to strengthen the protection and monitoring of vulnerable children Numerous organizations, including Les Pros de la Petite Enfance
or
- The Government
- , are working to better regulate emergency shelters and promote family care.
- Innovative projects, such as the use of specialized shelters or the expansion of home support programs, offer opportunities to reduce the distress of these children. Cooperation between non-profit organizations such as Emmaüs and Les Restos du Cœur contributes to better care and greater attention to the specific needs of each young person. Furthermore, the commitment of local stakeholders, particularly the French Red Cross and the Association for the Protection of Children, is reflected in concrete actions: educational workshops, psychological support, and increased surveillance. These efforts aim to eradicate child prostitution by improving the quality of shelters and their ongoing monitoring.
- How to improve the efficiency of protective measures in precarious housing? An effective response requires increased coordination between all stakeholders involved: social authorities, associations, schools, and police services. The dissemination of a practical guide, such as the one developed by the SOLIDARITÉ Federation, can foster this synergy.
Actor RoleMain Actions
Government
Organization and Regulations Coordination of Systems, Funding, Legislation Associations Protection and SupportTraining, Prevention, Psychological Monitoring
Educational Institutions Academic and Social Support Detection of Signs, Liaison with Partners Police and Justice Protection and Sanctions Intervention in Cases of Danger, Monitoring of Reports To ensure a safe environment for every child, an information-sharing platform is essential, allowing for rapid intervention at the slightest suspicion. Collective mobilization must also be accompanied by personalized monitoring, incorporating legal, social, and psychological support, to break the vicious cycle of vulnerability.
Long-term challenges: training and raising awareness about the protection of vulnerable children Finally, awareness-raising and training remain fundamental levers for preventing prostitution and all forms of exploitation of children in precarious situations. Several educational programs, implemented by organizations such as UNICEF France, aim to strengthen collective awareness of the vulnerability of minors. Training for professionals, particularly those working in emergency shelters, must include modules on detecting signs and providing appropriate care. Civil society, particularly through organizations such as L’Enfant Bleu and the Association for the Protection of Children, plays a vital role in the fight against these scourges. Awareness campaigns, involving the media and local stakeholders, complement this program. Prevention remains the best weapon against the deterioration of these children’s future, by providing them more than ever with a safe, stable, and protective environment.FAQ on the protection of children at risk in precarious accommodation
What are the signs that a child may be exploited or in danger?
Physical signs, changes in behavior, isolation, academic delays, or lack of medical follow-up are indicators to watch for. Constant vigilance must be maintained in all accommodation settings. Which organizations are involved in child protection in France?The main actors include the
| Aide Sociale à l’Enfance | , the Red Cross, Emmaüs, Les Restos du Cœur, SOS Children’s Villages, and various local associations. | How can we improve the monitoring of precarious accommodation? |
|---|---|---|
| Through regular inspections, staff training, the implementation of alert systems, and coordination between all stakeholders involved, in order to quickly identify any risky situations. | What is the responsibility of accommodation providers regarding child safety? | They have an obligation to be vigilant, to report any concerns, and to collaborate with social services and the police to ensure the protection of the minors in their care. |
| How can we strengthen prevention against child prostitution in these places? | By developing educational programs, strengthening the training of staff, and implementing psychological and social support systems adapted to vulnerable children. | Source: |
| www.bfmtv.com | ||
