Andorra Backs CREI Operators Amid Catalonia Audit Scandal

Andorra's Ministry of Social Affairs has expressed full confidence in the operators of the Centre Residencial d'Educació Intensiva (CREI), despite concerns raised in Catalonia over the management practices of the two foundations involved.

The foundations Resilis and Mercè Fontanilles, which manage the CREI in Andorra under a joint temporary business association (UTE), have faced scrutiny from Catalonia's Audit Office (Sindicatura de Comptes) and an external audit. Those reviews identified shortcomings in handling financial aid for former foster youth, with some workers also reporting irregularities. The issues centre on contracts outsourced by Catalonia's Directorate General for Child and Adolescent Services (DGAIA), where the foundations were responsible for issuing reports to allocate benefits and overseeing their distribution.

In response to formal questions from the government about the scandal, ministry sources stated that no irregularities have been detected in the CREI's operations. The facility occupies much of the former Solà d'Enclar residence.

Social Affairs emphasised a key distinction: "The matter that has become public relates to financial benefits, whereas in Andorra, the CREI does not manage or grant any economic support to young residents." Officials added that ministry representatives meet with the centre every two weeks and conduct thorough oversight of both service operations and the wellbeing of the minors living there.

The ministry has made no changes to its relationship with the foundations, affirming continued trust in their management of the intensive education residential centre.