France's Child Protection Chief Calls for Unified Background Checks on Holiday Camp Animators

During a visit to a holiday camp in Calvi, Haute‑Corse, Sarah El Haïry, France's High Commissioner for Children, urged the creation of a single inter‑ministerial service to verify the background of camp animators. She said the measure is essential to safeguard minors and restore confidence after recent scandals in school and after‑school care. El Haïry highlighted that 1.3 million children are expected to attend holiday camps in 2024‑2025, noting a 4 % decline in attendance compared with the previous year and levels still below pre‑pandemic figures. The proposal builds on the child‑protection law unanimously adopted by parliament in June, aiming to make the sector exemplary in safety standards.