Proposed Legislation Aimed at Enhancing Child Protection Introduced in French National Assembly
The bill seeks immediate protection for children affected by violence, particularly in cases of incest.
A new legislative proposal aimed at improving the protection of children who are victims of violence and those under child protection has been submitted to the French National Assembly.
The proposal was introduced on March 12, 2025, and is backed by 70 lawmakers from various political groups, including Socle Commun, Liot, PS, and EELV.
The bill proposes the creation of a 'provisional protection order' modeled after mechanisms currently available for women who are victims of domestic violence.
This initiative is inspired by recommendations from the Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence Against Children (Ciivise).
Under the proposed framework, prosecutors will have the authority to decide on the placement of children who are suspected victims of violence, including incest.
The measure allows for prosecutors to temporarily restrict parental rights, modify visitation rights, and prohibit certain individuals from approaching or communicating with the child.
Deputy Perrine Goulet from the Democratic party explained that the 'protection order will allow for the suspension of visitation rights for a month following a report of a child in danger, thereby ensuring rapid protection by distancing the alleged abuser from the child.' This proposal emphasizes the urgent need to protect the child while investigations are pending.
Importantly, the existing protection order for women victims of violence only extends to their children if the mother is also a victim of violence.
The Ciivise's report published in November 2023 recommended the establishment of a 'child safety order' to enable the suspension of parental authority in instances where incest is strongly suspected.
In addition to establishing the provisional protection order, the legislation aims to expand the powers of juvenile judges concerning parental authority in relevant cases.
It also includes measures for the oversight of child protection facilities, proposing inspections to be conducted at least every three years.
Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit profit-driven private establishments within the child protection system.
In 2022, there were 381,000 child protection measures enforced, with 208,000 children placed outside their parental homes, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive reforms in child welfare to enhance safety and oversight.
The proposal was introduced on March 12, 2025, and is backed by 70 lawmakers from various political groups, including Socle Commun, Liot, PS, and EELV.
The bill proposes the creation of a 'provisional protection order' modeled after mechanisms currently available for women who are victims of domestic violence.
This initiative is inspired by recommendations from the Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence Against Children (Ciivise).
Under the proposed framework, prosecutors will have the authority to decide on the placement of children who are suspected victims of violence, including incest.
The measure allows for prosecutors to temporarily restrict parental rights, modify visitation rights, and prohibit certain individuals from approaching or communicating with the child.
Deputy Perrine Goulet from the Democratic party explained that the 'protection order will allow for the suspension of visitation rights for a month following a report of a child in danger, thereby ensuring rapid protection by distancing the alleged abuser from the child.' This proposal emphasizes the urgent need to protect the child while investigations are pending.
Importantly, the existing protection order for women victims of violence only extends to their children if the mother is also a victim of violence.
The Ciivise's report published in November 2023 recommended the establishment of a 'child safety order' to enable the suspension of parental authority in instances where incest is strongly suspected.
In addition to establishing the provisional protection order, the legislation aims to expand the powers of juvenile judges concerning parental authority in relevant cases.
It also includes measures for the oversight of child protection facilities, proposing inspections to be conducted at least every three years.
Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit profit-driven private establishments within the child protection system.
In 2022, there were 381,000 child protection measures enforced, with 208,000 children placed outside their parental homes, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive reforms in child welfare to enhance safety and oversight.
