French Child Protection System Declared in Deep Crisis by Parliamentary Report

A new report reveals systemic failures, severe abuse, and resource shortages, prompting urgent calls for reform and oversight to safeguard nearly 400,000 vulnerable children.

The parliamentary report confirms a systemic crisis in France's child protection system, highlighting widespread policy failures and institutional neglect.
Severe abuse, including physical, sexual, and moral harm, is documented, with children in care facing significantly reduced life expectancy and long-term health consequences.
The report demands immediate reforms, including the appointment of a dedicated child protection minister and the establishment of an independent oversight body.
Resource shortages are worsening as child placements have increased by 44% since 1998 while staffing levels have declined, creating unsustainable pressures on the system.
Advocacy groups and former children in care are pressing for concrete action, warning against further delays and emphasizing the need for accountability and systemic overhaul.