New details in the case of abuse that the French media have baptized “the house of horror”. In Noyelles-sous-Lens, in Pas-de-Calais, children were found last Tuesday tied to their chairs in deplorable hygienic conditions. Since then, the parents have been placed under judicial supervision. Now questions remain. The Secretary of State for Children, Charlotte Caubel, went to the Arras prefecture on Monday morning to discuss with local child protection actors. Thierry Dran, the public prosecutor of Béthune at his side, provided details.
No traces of beatings or children covered in excrement
For him, there were clearly serious educational and hygiene deficiencies in this family from a very disadvantaged social background. But he refutes the term “house of horror”. “We have no traces of beatings on the children who have all been seen by forensic doctors. We have no children covered in excrement, as I could read everywhere. No, they are dirty and there are shortcomings”, insisted on specifying the prosecutor.
The couple will be prosecuted for intentional violence and neglect of children. Lawsuits which notably target the fact that two children were discovered tied to their chairs when social services arrived. On these facts, the parents will have to explain themselves. In any case, it is a family that the authorities had not particularly identified, despite certain reports, such as that of abuse.
An administrative investigation will be carried out
“There were reports that came to light year after year, but didn’t necessarily cross-check with each other. A family that otherwise was sometimes very cooperative and sometimes not cooperative at all. When she had a visit from social services, she may have put her house in order with good will or consciously to hide her reality,” said Charlotte Caubel during her trip.
However, the minister acknowledges that there were shortcomings in this case. An administrative investigation will be carried out. A departmental follow-up committee will also be created to follow up families who pose problems. The parents will appear in court next January. As for the six minor children, they have been placed.