The Unseen World of Police Orphanages in France

France’s unique orphanage for police children is a discreet, sprawling walled compound that serves as a remarkable haven for around 70 children in each of the three orphanages within the Orpheopolis network, providing care for some 1,000 orphaned children. Stemming from tragic circumstances, such as losing parents to illness, attacks, or suicides, these children find stability and support in this safe environment, allowing them to integrate, heal, and envision future careers as social workers or police officers. The orphanages provide a nurturing setting with rigorous emotional and psychological support, offering the kids a second home with strict rules, dialogue sessions, sports facilities, and play areas. Professionals like social workers, psychologists, sport coaches, and support teachers lend their services round-the-clock, ensuring that the children have the needed structure and guidance. Apart from the healing, education, and social integration, the orphanages also serve as a way for those interested to follow in their parents’ footsteps and join the police force themselves, with specific preparation, training, and mentoring. Despite underlying resentments and scars, the orphanages aim to mitigate these negative emotions, create a safe space for dialogue, and facilitate a healing process for the children. With an annual budget from donations and police officers’ contributions, these orphanages have stood for over a century, evolving into a model of support and care for children facing the traumatic loss of their police officer parents.