Overview
- Gérald Darmanin announced the progressive reclassification of the 19 public Centres éducatifs fermés into reinforced educational units early next year with a focus on schooling, mental health and addiction care.
- A moratorium was set on the eight new CEFs planned by law, and association-run centers are set to continue operating under their current model.
- A forthcoming directive to prosecutors and youth services will steer judicial practice toward tighter court supervision that specifies placement and educational obligations.
- A general ban on mobile phones will apply across these units as part of a broader shift to prioritize educational and therapeutic work.
- Officials cited evaluations highlighting high daily costs of about €600 per youth, fugue rates around 15–20% and minimal schooling time as key reasons for the change, while 95 staff will be redeployed and 40 technical teachers recruited.