The town hall of Toulouse will close the reception center for exiled minors during the winter break
The decision taken by surprise associations active on the site such as Doctors of the World. “We are surprised by this choice and its speed, reacts Nicolas Puvis, regional coordinator of the NGO’s mobile actions. We had a meeting last December where we said that the young people could stay until the end of April. Everything happens very quickly. In the letter from the CCAS, the town hall justifies its decision by “the existence of very violent incidents such as the events which took place on December 14 and 27, 2021”. “The lack of respect for the negotiated support framework leads us to have to put an end to this system” completes the municipality in response to our questions.
Nicolas Puvis confirms his tense episodes due to certain residents subsequently excluded. But for him, the majority of the young people accommodated “has suffered these situations and has nothing to do with it”. “Instead of increasing the number of staff to supervise them and ensure their safety, the municipality will close their accommodation. It’s a double jeopardy,” he adds.
The young exiles housed on the premises all have in common that they have not been recognized as minors by the services of the Department of Haute-Garonne, responsible for taking care of unaccompanied isolated minors. Those concerned as adults are left to fend for themselves, even if they take legal action to challenge the decision. “In 80% of cases, they are again translated as minors after a court decision”, assures Nicolas Puvis.
To overcome this lack of support, the town hall of Toulouse set up this accommodation and support system in 2019 with the support of several associations. The Arseea (Regional Association for the Safeguarding of Children, Adolescents and Adults) was notably commissioned by the community to manage the former Ehpad des Tourelles. “The town hall had taken its responsibilities to remedy a failing system. It’s a good thing, but if the place closes, these young schoolchildren will find themselves without an accommodation solution in the middle of the winter break, ”regrets Nicolas Puvis.
According to the town hall, “the objective is to rebuild a framework of shelter and support for these young people awaiting clarification of their administrative situation”. Until then, “access to water, electricity and food” will be guaranteed by the community, assures the latter, without listing housing among these “primary needs” recognized for these minors.
“A census of the situations has been proposed to allow orientations and avoid dry exits to the street. Dialogue must remain possible with this in mind, ”recalls Daniel Rougé, first deputy mayor of Toulouse, and vice-president of the CCAS. A singular definition of dialogue when the associations were presented with a fait accompli with this closure announced without consultation. These ask the town hall to reverse its decision and call for a rally on Friday February 4 in front of the Capitol.