Illegal Foster Care Network Leaders Sentenced for Child Abuse in France

Two men received prison sentences of up to six years for orchestrating an illegal foster care scheme involving abuse of over 60 children between 2010 and 2017.

Julien M. and Bruno C., leaders of the unlicensed foster care network, were sentenced to six and four years in prison, respectively, for their roles in the abuse and exploitation of minors.
The scheme placed over 60 children in unapproved foster homes, where many experienced physical and psychological abuse, forced labor, and neglect.
The illegal operation, which ran for seven years, generated at least €630,000 by placing children through an unlicensed organization called 'Enfance et Bien-Être.'
The case came to light in 2017 after a hospitalized child refused to return to the care of his abuser, prompting a legal investigation into the network's activities.
Victims and their advocates expressed dissatisfaction with the sentences and highlighted the lack of accountability for the Aide sociale à l’enfance (ASE), which initially placed the children in the illegal system.