On Tuesday 31 March, MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez and the mayor of Waterloo Florence Reuter visited the non-profit association Les Petits Sapins in Waterloo, which supports and cares for young people in difficulty.
On the ground, the reality is clear: around fifteen children are supported here daily, with very different paths between mainstream and specialised education. An essential but demanding mission, both humanly and financially.
At the heart of the discussions lies a fundamental question: should the child stay with their family, or be placed elsewhere? While maintaining family ties remains the priority, some situations require more structured care. In this context, the Youth Aid Service (SAJ), based on cooperation with parents, differs from the Youth Protection Service (SPJ), which intervenes compulsorily when the situation demands it.
Another striking observation: the abrupt break at age 18. Once they reach adulthood, many young people leave these facilities without a safety net. To address this, transition phases are introduced from age 16 to better prepare them for independence. Some former residents even come back to share their experiences, confronting young people with the reality on the ground.
For the MR, these findings call for clear political choices. The family model has evolved, and public solidarity now complements, and sometimes replaces, family solidarity. In this context, youth support services and the ONE must remain absolute priorities.
“We cannot fund everything. Choices have to be made. And for us, investing in childhood, youth and education is a given,” Georges-Louis Bouchez recalled. The MR calls for redirecting resources towards these essential policies, seen as the real drivers of long-term success.