Childhood has certainly not been the best period of their lives. Shattered dreams, abuse of all kinds and lack of affection are the only reality they know. Trying to provide a better environment and some relief to such children, the staff in charge of Terre de Paix, situated at Albion, have decided to go off the beaten track. Unlike other institutions dealing with problem children, Terre de Paix has been working on a new concept in recent years. In fact, dormitories have been phased out as the 35 children (aged 8 to 18) are now placed in foster families. This initiative, based upon the United Nations principles on the rights of children, aims to enable them to relearn about family values.

<B>Renewed contact with parents</B>

The children sent to Terre de Paix have been removed from their biological families as they have been subjected to sexual abuse or to ill treatment. It is the responsibility of the Child Development Unit (CDU) to refer cases to the courts. ?The case is then examined by a magistrate who must take the decision whether to put the child in an institution or not,? says Patricia Yue, one of the resource-persons. The magistrate must, when taking his decision, take into account whether there is any possibility of finding a solution within the child?s family. During the day, the children attend pre-vocational school at Terre de Paix and go back, in the afternoon, to their foster families. The institution works with foster families coming from Black River, Beau-Bassin/ Rose-Hill and Albion.

?We think that it is important for the children to keep in touch with their families even if they now live in foster families. This is one of the reasons why we organized a Christmas party for the children and their biological parents,? says Patricia Yue. On that day, alongside pleasures such as seeing the kids? joy at festive lights and decorations, those responsible for the children had some worries about the reactions on both sides. They had no desire to remind the children of all the devastating consequences of the mistreatment that they used to endure in their family environments. However they need not have worried. The party enabled parents and children to spend some time together after having been separated for several months. The renewed contact with their family members, says the staff, was very moving. This kind of initiative will surely make it possible for the children to return to their families in some time. They will however spend the New Year in their respective foster families. It?s an opportunity for them to enjoy a stable family atmosphere, says one member of staff. This New Year?s celebration is going to be special in those children?s hearts.