Project presentation
The Pas-de-Calais is the second French department with the highest number of underage pregnancies (the first is Réunion). In 2020, 321 mothers under 18 were recorded, including 98 under 16 years old. The youngest was 12 and a half years old. Initial estimates for 2022 suggest between 500 and 600 pregnancies among underage girls in the department. These young women are often “off the radar” or only temporarily supported by existing services. They are primarily seen as mothers and receive little support for continuing their education or developing their personal projects.
To address these challenges, the Pas-de-Calais association Les Pupilles de l’Éducation Publique (PEP 62) initiated a consultation with local actors involved in supporting these young girls: the Departmental Council, the Departmental Services of National Education, the Pedagogical Support Service at Home or in Hospital (SAPAD), school principals and academic staff, social services, the Center for Information on Women’s and Family Rights (CIDFF), the CPAM, CAF, the network of crèches for professional insertion (AVIP), early childhood professionals, Maternal and Child Protection services (PMI), and others.
From this consultation, the SAMELYCO project was born. It aims to coordinate a support pathway for young mothers, from the fourth month of pregnancy until the child turns three, so that they can continue schooling at school or remotely via SAPAD (implemented by the National Education system).
