Contract children

The history of the contract children in Switzerland

The contract-child system is one of the darkest chapters of Swiss social policy. For centuries, children whose families were destitute or who were considered half- or full orphans were removed from their parents by state authorities, initially placed in homes and later placed with farming families. There they had to work until the end of schooling - usually without pay and under degrading conditions.

This practice was characterised by exploitation, neglect and exclusion. Many children suffered from hard labour, malnutrition, lack of hygiene and physical, psychological and sexual violence. Separation from siblings and exclusion from the education system made it difficult for them to lead an independent life.

It was not until the 1970s that this system was gradually brought to an end. For many of those affected, however, the experience remains a heavy legacy with social and psychological consequences to this day.

This past shows how profound state intervention in family life can be - especially when oversight is lacking. That is why our association today advocates for reforms in child and adult protection, with the aim of strengthening the rights of children, parents and those affected and aligning state action with the principles of proportionality and constitutional law.

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