Belgium (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Since 2015, a French Court report highlights severe mistreatment in over 60 Belgian facilities for French citizens with mental disabilities, prompting calls for stricter oversight due to ongoing issues.
Since 2015, 60 places in Belgium taking care of French people with mental disabilities have had dangerous problems, as mentioned in a report by the French Court of Audit. The issues, gathered from 150 inspection reports, involve mistreatment like physical or verbal abuse, food shortages as punishment, unhealthy food, limited meals, rundown buildings, and money scams. For years, unique places in Wallonia have been caring for more and more French people, with around 8,200 French nationals (7,000 adults and 1,200 children) currently receiving care, as stated by the court.
What Oversight Is Needed for the French Disabled?
The French court wants stricter oversight, saying that the number of French citizens cared for in Wallonia shows issues with French services. Wallonia specifically helps with “difficult cases” that France can’t handle: individuals released from psychiatric hospitals, young adults who can’t find spots in adult facilities, and people kicked out due to behavior issues. These disabled French citizens are supported by the French social security system and departments, costing about €500 million annually.
The court report stated that because France funds establishments in Belgium, new entrepreneurs, even those not in healthcare, are attracted to work there. Every year, around 20 out of the 200 places where French people live have problems, according to report. The association’s president, Isabelle Resplendino, mentioned that Belgium had concerns but has improved standards and closed down some facilities. She noted that inspections are more common in Belgium compared to France. In Belgium, the focus is on education, while in France, complex cases are often in psychiatric hospitals, medicated, or limited.
