This paper discusses caring for mistreated children and the way this care has changed and evolved according to the social landscape. The discussion links the ordinary violence inherent to the institution and to “being together” with the pathological violence observed in certain families. The issue of family violence within the institution is viewed in light of its relation to mastery (Ferrant, 2006) and of the desubjectivizing and disorganizing effects observed in the course of care. Without overturning the soundness of rethinking action, the reform of child protection seems to be a response to the symptom of family violence and to the disorganization and the psychic obstacles with which the institution is confronted. It is from this perspective that this paper attempts to elucidate the disorganizing impact of family violence and the way in which group work could constitute an alternative form.