A 13-year-old teenager, who had run away from the Educational Center Perce Neige in Gap, has been located in Marseille. The situation has raised concerns, particularly due to his mother’s suspicions regarding his intentions to become a chouf, a term designating a lookout in the urban environment. The teenager has been handed over to the authorities, and his care has been ensured by child welfare services.
The circumstances of the escape
Amjad, the teenager in question, left his educational home on March 23, triggering an immediate alert for a worrying disappearance by the national police of Hautes-Alpes. His actions and possible involvement in illegal activities in the Marseille area have led his family to worry about his well-being. His mother, hospitalized after an accident, has not heard from him, further increasing feelings of abandonment and distress.
A mother’s concerns
Contacted by the media, Amjad’s mother expressed her outrage at the lack of communication concerning her son’s situation. “It’s scandalous, I haven’t received a single call, neither from the police nor from Perce-Neige,” she stated. Her personal situation, where she has not had custody of her son for several years, further complicates their relationship. This heavy family context has contributed to Amjad’s desire to escape and seek a market in Marseille.
A necessary care
After being located by the authorities, Amjad has been taken care of by the ASE, as well as by educators who have been working on his case since his escape. Jérémie Bosse-Platière, interdepartmental director of the national police, stated that Amjad’s situation is not unique, as he is accustomed to running away. The educators might consider a new care that is better suited to his needs and history.
The educational framework in question
Amjad’s placement at the educational center in Gap, since June 2023, aimed to provide strict supervision to help him in his development and distance him from bad influences. Nevertheless, the reality is much more complex. Educational structures often have to deal with delicate situations, where the absence of stability can lead to deviant behaviors, as evidenced by this young boy’s escape. His journey raises questions about the effectiveness of the measures in place to prevent such situations.
The return home?
After his return, the future arrangements planned for Amjad will also need to be monitored. While educators and child welfare professionals strive to better understand his journey, it will be essential to provide the support he needs to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. The dynamic between him and his mother, as well as his integration into society, will be crucial issues to follow closely.
