“We fight against injustices that lead to anger”

David Payan, right, alongside his predecessor, Andrew Sniteslaar.

David Payan, you are the new director of the Samuel-Vincent association, a major network of services in the field of child protection. What is your background? ?

I have a DEUG in mathematics applied to social sciences, a bachelor's and master's degree in behavioral neuroscience and a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) in penal sciences and criminal sciences.

You have a lot of experience under your belt.

I spent some time in Montreal, at the criminology school, and had experiences in social work and mediation. I was an educator at the French Red Cross, director of a youth justice shelter from 2004, director of the Figaret specialized reception center in Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort, then director of the MECS (Maison d’Enfants à Caractère Social) of the Coste Community in Nîmes. From October 2018 to March 2020, I took up the position of coordinator of the Canada Research Chair on the evaluation of public policies for vulnerable people and young people, at the École Nationale d’Administration Publique in Montreal, before returning to France to be deputy director at Samuel-Vincent.

Has this last period confirmed your choice to accept the position of director ?

I was not disappointed, meeting committed professionals, new sectors and a very good state of mind. I thank the board of directors, via its president, Olivier Goujon, for having trusted me as well as my predecessor, Andrew Sniteslaar.

What is the next fight to lead ?

We are currently working on drafting a social development project to continue improving responses and systems by supporting a united professional community. We fight, with our partners, public or associative, with vulnerable groups, against injustices that lead to anger.

A word about your life outside of work ?

I am a father of three children and originally from the Hautes-Alpes; I like team sports, cooking and hiking.

Midi Libre correspondent: 07 81 33 15 81

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