Institutional pathways of young commercial sexual exploitation victims during follow-up in France's child protection services[Parcours institutionnels de jeunes victimes d’exploitation sexuelle suivis en protection de l’enfance]

The commercial sexual exploitation of children is a major concern for French public authorities. While it has been the subject of extensive international research highlighting socioeconomic, family-related, and new technology-related factors, being under the care of child protection services has also emerged as a significant factor since the 2010s. This specific aspect has attracted the attention of approximately ten researchers worldwide. Their findings emphasise a lack of coordination between services and insufficient training for professionals. This study used a qualitative methodology to provide an overview of the situation in France. Accordingly, interviews were conducted with professionals working at residential care facilities that support sexually exploited youth. The study's goal is to reconstruct the institutional pathways of these young people, not only within child protection services but also across other relevant institutions (Education, Health, Police, and Justice). The findings, consistent with existing literature, highlight a significant shortfall in institutional safeguards, with two key priorities revealed: the judicial handling of sexual assaults reported by young victims and specific training for professionals supporting these youths.