The ADEPAPE 06 (Departmental Association for the Mutual Assistance of People Supported by Child Protection Services in the Alpes-Maritimes) is an organization dedicated to supporting young people transitioning out of child protection services. To learn more, we met with Estelle Lajili, the President of the association.
Solidarity and Support
The mission of ADEPAPE 06 is to ensure the care and support of young people leaving child protection services, starting at age 16. Each year, about 2,000 young people find themselves in this situation within the department, while ADEPAPE 06 supports nearly 200 of them. However, Estelle highlights a communication issue, as this number seems relatively low compared to the significant need for assistance among the concerned individuals.
A Large Family
We like to call ourselves the biggest family in the Alpes-Maritimes. We truly are a family, where everyone has their place and can find their place.
Estelle Lajili
ADEPAPE 06 considers itself “the largest family in the Alpes-Maritimes.” Everyone finds their place and can participate in activities that interest them. Some young people just need help with their administrative tasks, while others want to engage in activities they wouldn’t have the opportunity to do otherwise. Whatever the issue, the association’s volunteers are present to find a solution: “I have never seen a young person come with a problem and not leave with a solution.”
The trust relationship between ADEPAPE 06 and the young people develops quickly. Thanks to the association’s caring and collaborative approach, young people feel heard, understood, and supported in their efforts.
Collaboration Based on Everyone’s Skills
ADEPAPE implements solutions by leveraging each association member’s skills. Everyone contributes their knowledge and expertise to find effective solutions. This collective approach strengthens the association’s ability to support young people and meet their specific needs.
A Controversial New Age Limit
For 40 years, ADEPAPE had no age limit for its services. However, recently, an amendment set an age limit of 28 for the funding provided by the department. The association views this decision as unfair, believing that the vulnerabilities of those coming out of social services do not disappear at 28. It hopes to obtain funding from local municipalities in the future. Nevertheless, the association continues to support individuals over 28, up to seniors, thanks to bequests and donations, inviting them to meetings and activities to engage in intergenerational projects together.
Varied Missions to Support Young People
ADEPAPE 06 offers support to young people in various areas. Initially, the association assists them on an administrative level by helping them with tax, social security, and other procedures. Volunteers work closely with the young people until they acquire the skills necessary to handle these tasks independently.
In terms of financial support, ADEPAPE helps young people finance their driving licenses. They collaborate with the association “Escale,” which funds 450 euros in exchange for 30 hours of volunteering that young people can do at ADEPAPE. Additionally, the association supplements this aid up to 500 euros. The association also covers educational expenses and collaborates with a trainer from “Apprentis d’Auteuil,” who helps young people define their projects and advance towards education and employment every Wednesday.
Regarding housing, ADEPAPE collaborates with CROUS to find accommodation solutions. Furthermore, the association’s volunteers actively engage in housing searches and grant installation bonuses up to 500 euros.
Additionally, ADEPAPE creates an essential social bond. It provides young people with a place for living and support where they can discuss their issues, call when needed, and share convivial moments.
Moreover, thanks to a strong partnership with Secours Populaire 06, ADEPAPE can offer food assistance to young people in need. Since many homeless youth come from social services, this collaboration provides moments of sharing and strengthens the support offered to young people to improve their nutrition.
If you wish to become a volunteer for ADEPAPE 06 and actively help improve these young people’s daily lives while contributing to building a better future for them, there is no need to belong to a specific sector. Feel free to contact them through their website and various social networks!
