Paris authorities are facing renewed scrutiny over the treatment of children in foster care after a second mother alleged that her young sons had their heads forcibly shaved while placed in a care home. The new claims come just days after public outrage erupted over the case of an eight year old boy whose hair was shaved as punishment in a Paris foster facility, an incident that has already been referred to the courts.
In an interview with public broadcaster Franceinfo on Thursday, the mother said her two sons, aged three and four, had their heads completely shaved in July while staying at a care home in Paris’ 18th district. She said she intends to file a formal complaint in the coming weeks, adding to mounting pressure on child welfare authorities to explain how such incidents could occur.
According to the mother, the children were placed in foster care following a decision a juvenile court judge, who ordered the temporary arrangement to protect the boys during a difficult parental separation. She said the placement was meant to provide stability and care at a sensitive time, not expose her children to what she describes as humiliating treatment.
The mother recalled her shock when she first visited the care facility after the boys had been placed there. She said she immediately noticed that both children had no hair and was deeply distressed the discovery. “I felt stripped of my role as a parent,” she said, explaining that the decision to shave the children’s heads was taken without her knowledge or consent.
Her account has intensified concerns about practices within some foster homes and whether oversight mechanisms are sufficient to protect children’s dignity and well being. Child welfare advocates say shaving a child’s head without parental approval can be traumatic, particularly for very young children who may not understand why it is happening.
Paris officials have acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. After the earlier case involving the eight year old boy came to light, authorities said the matter had been referred to the courts to determine potential criminal responsibility. The emergence of a second case has raised questions about whether the problem is isolated or indicative of broader issues within the foster care system.
French child protection services are legally required to act in the best interests of the child, and any disciplinary measures must respect strict guidelines. Legal experts say the courts will likely examine whether the shaving incidents constitute abuse or degrading treatment under French law.
The cases have sparked widespread public debate in France, with politicians and advocacy groups calling for a thorough review of foster care practices in Paris. Some have demanded stronger training for care workers and clearer rules to prevent actions that could harm children psychologically.
As investigations move forward, families and rights groups are urging authorities to ensure accountability and transparency. For many parents, the allegations have shaken trust in a system designed to safeguard vulnerable children, and have underscored the need for reforms to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
