Investigation Launched Over Child Abuse at Paris Children’s Home

An investigation has been initiated by the Paris prosecutor's office into allegations of child abuse at the Jenner children’s home in Paris, managed by the Jean-Cotxet association. The controversy centers on an incident from February 2023, when an 8-year-old boy was forcibly shaved bald as a form of punishment. This troubling act was captured on video by another staff member and shared within a professional WhatsApp group, sparking immediate outrage and concern among educators over the child's well-being, especially given the cold weather conditions at the time.

One educator confirmed that the shaving was an authorized disciplinary measure, prompting the authorities to open an inquiry for "voluntary violence against a minor by a person in authority." The case highlights serious ethical questions about punishments administered in child care institutions.

The video’s circulation among staff members revealed significant distress about the practice, with educators expressing disbelief. The investigation aims to clarify responsibility and establish whether these actions violated legal protections for minors.

This development underscores ongoing concerns about the treatment of vulnerable children under state care in France, emphasizing the need for oversight and reform in child protection services. The prosecutor's inquiry will seek to bring accountability and ensure the safety of children within institutional care settings.