Vitalpes · 24 ressources
Family and children
Families with children in France have access to many services and allowances. Here you can find information on schools, nurseries, CAF and family support workers.
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The most useful guides and tools for this section.
Kindergarten: Enroling your child in school
The public nursery school caters for children from the age of 3, and education is compulsory at that age. To register your child, you go first through the town hall of the home and then through the school. It is free of charge; it is especially necessary to prepare the papers and check the canteen and the extracurricular. Here's how to do it, without running in every direction.
College and elementary school: how to register a child
Elementary school and college are free and compulsory in France. When you arrive with a child, the most useful thing is to understand the area school, prepare the papers and ask for help right away if French is not there yet. Here's the sequence of the steps, without detour.
Creek: how to get a place
Apply to your municipality or structure as soon as possible: the terms, deadlines and spaces available vary depending on the location. The price depends on the type of nursery and the situation of the home. Check with the Caf to see what assistance you can claim.
CAF: How to get family helpers
The CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales) provides assistance to families: family benefits, housing assistance and CMG for custody. If you have children or rent a dwelling, it can really ease the budget. Here's how to create an account, what to ask for and when to update your folder to avoid surprises.
Russian-speaking schools and activities
Directory of Saturday schools and activities where children preserve Russian language and culture.
Open RecommendedChildren ' s health
Vaccines, pediatricians, PMI — children's health in France.
Open RecommendedAlternative care: practical framework for parents
The alternate custody arranges the child's residence with each parent at a defined pace. A written or even homologous agreement limits conflicts and clarifies responsibilities. It also facilitates CAF, school and health approaches.
This section helps you if you...
- Families with children arriving from Russia or other countries
- Those planning to start a family in France
- Guardians and foster families
All the guides in the section
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The steps to be taken not to delay or forget.
CAF: How to get family helpers
The CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales) provides assistance to families: family benefits, housing assistance and CMG for custody. If you have children or rent a dwelling, it can really ease the budget. Here's how to create an account, what to ask for and when to update your folder to avoid surprises.
Open GuideCollege and elementary school: how to register a child
Elementary school and college are free and compulsory in France. When you arrive with a child, the most useful thing is to understand the area school, prepare the papers and ask for help right away if French is not there yet. Here's the sequence of the steps, without detour.
Open GuideCreek: how to get a place
Apply to your municipality or structure as soon as possible: the terms, deadlines and spaces available vary depending on the location. The price depends on the type of nursery and the situation of the home. Check with the Caf to see what assistance you can claim.
Open GuideKindergarten: Enroling your child in school
The public nursery school caters for children from the age of 3, and education is compulsory at that age. To register your child, you go first through the town hall of the home and then through the school. It is free of charge; it is especially necessary to prepare the papers and check the canteen and the extracurricular. Here's how to do it, without running in every direction.
Open GuidePAJE and birth grant: Aides CAF
The ECAP includes the birth premium, the basic allowance and the CMG. The request is made on caf.fr after declaration of pregnancy and birth.
Open GuideSchool enrolment: how to register a child in school
To enrol a child in public school, you start with the town hall. She gives you the area school and the certificate of enrolment, then you finish the process at school. It's not complicated, but you have to prepare the papers in advance. Here are the steps and what to ask if the child does not yet speak French.
Open GuideNext steps
Useful procedures to continue your process.
AAH: Allowance for disabled adults
The AAH (Adult Disability Allowance) is a social benefit for adults (≥20 years) with disabilities (incapacity rate ≥50% according to MDPH). Amount: up to 1 012,04 €/month (2025), depending on the resources. Paid by the CAF (or the MSA for farming). In addition, there may also be an increase for Autonomous Life (MVA ). 104 €/month), the additional resources ( 179 €), and PCH (Compensation of Handicap). For foreigners — stable and regular residence required. Below: conditions, approach and key points.
Open GuideASE : Social assistance for children
The ESA (Social Aid for Children) is the department's department that provides protection and support for children and families in difficult situations. Benefits: home education assistance (AEMO), foster care or shelter, support for young mothers, support for victims of violence, and funding for a child care assistant for families in serious poverty. Open to all residents of the department without nationality conditions. Guidance via the CRIP (Cellule de Récueil des Informations Preoccupatoires). Below: who can benefit and how to deposit.
Open GuideCustody fixed by the judge: proceedings before the JAF
When parents fail to reach an agreement on the custody of children, the decision is taken by the Family Affairs Judge (JAF) in the court. The JAF may fix a habitual residence (at a parent's place of residence), an alternate residence, a right of access and accommodation, and the amount of maintenance. Procedure: request, attempt to reconcile, hearings, possibly psychological expertise, decision. Deadline: 4–12 months. Free of charge (justice), but a lawyer is usually required: 1,500–5,000 €. Below: how to enter and key points.
Open GuideEnrolment in kindergarten and elementary school
Kindergarten (from 3 years old, compulsory since 2023) and elementary (CP–CM2, 6–11 years old) are free and public in France. Registration at the town hall of your municipality, then finalisation at the school. Exhibits: family booklet, proof of residence, health book (vaccinations). Calendar: Generally in the spring before the beginning of the school year (September). Derogation possible in particular cases (alternate guard, sectoral derogation). Free school, but canteen and day care for extra fee. Below: How to register the child and key points.
Open GuidePACS, marriage, free union: choosing the form of union
In France, there are three forms of family union: free union (concumbency without registration), PACS (Civil Solidarity Pact — registered civil union), marriage (union with full legal protection). Each form opens separate rights and duties in respect of taxes, inheritance, health (CPAM), immigration (residence permit). Marriage offers the most comprehensive rights, the PACS in part, free union at least. Below: comparative and choice according to your situation.
Open GuideActivity premium: income supplement for assets
The activity bonus is a social benefit from the CAF for low-income workers (employees, self-employed, students >18 years, trainees, apprentices). It complements income to ensure a decent standard of living by working. Amount: up to and including 650 €/month for a single person at SMIC ( 2025 ), more for families. Eligibility according to the reference tax income (without strict limits for individuals), calculated automatically from the quarterly return. Request on caf.fr or service-public.fr. Below: who is eligible and how to file.
Open GuideAdoption: adopting a child in France
Adoption in France is a legal procedure that creates a bond of filiation between the adopter and the child. Two forms: full adoption (the child obtains the rights of a biological child, the link with the family of origin is broken) and simple adoption (it adds a filiation, without breaking the biological ties). Conditions for adopters: 28 years of age (or husband for ≥2 years), age difference with child ≥15 years. International adoption takes place through AFA (French Adoption Agency). Procedure from 1 to 5 years. Below: where to start and key points.
Open GuideAlternative care: practical framework for parents
The alternate custody arranges the child's residence with each parent at a defined pace. A written or even homologous agreement limits conflicts and clarifies responsibilities. It also facilitates CAF, school and health approaches.
Open GuideARS: School Entry Allowance
The ARS (School Entry Allowance) is a unique benefit of the CAF for families of schooled children (6–18 years), intended to cover the expenses of re-entry (clothing, supplies, equipment). Amount in 2025: 401,67 € for a child of 6–10 years, 422,91 € for 11–14 years, 436,05 € for 15–18 years. Paid once a year in August. Eligibility according to the reference tax income (thresholds according to the number of children). For 16–18 years — compulsory school certificate every term. Below: who is eligible and how to file.
Open GuideBack-to-school aids: all aids for students
The school year in France represents a budget: supplies (cahiers, bookcases), clothes, classes, computer. The State and the communities offer a number of aids: ARS (School Entry Allowance — CAF), the college/lycea bonus, college/lycea scholarships, departmental and municipal grants. Many are open to modest incomes. Below: overview of the aids and how to get them.
Open GuideCrèche: how to get a place in the host structure
Early childhood care includes community nurseries, micro-crèches, family nurseries and other facilities. Registration procedures, deadlines and rates vary according to the municipality and the mode of reception. File your application early and confirm the fee directly with the structure.
Open GuideCustody and parental authority: residence and parental rights
Parental authority in France is all the rights and duties of the parents with regard to the minor child (up to 18 years): protection, education, health, property management. By default exercised by both parents (together or separately). Custody (residence of the child) is a separate question: with a parent (usual residence) or alternate. Decision by parental agreement or by the Family Court (JAF). Access and accommodation for the non-custodial parent. Below: How to fix and key points.
Open GuideDivorce by mutual consent: amicable divorce
Divorce by mutual consent has been a simplified divorce procedure in France since 2017. No judge (in the absence of minor children): spouses sign an agreement with lawyers (one per spouse, or common in rare cases), a notary registers it. Time frame: 1–3 months. Cost: 1 000–3 000 € for the couple (lawyers + notary). In the presence of minor children — proceedings before the family court. Below: When appropriate, how to lead and key points.
Open GuideFLE: how to choose a French course
FLE (French as a foreign language) courses are for people living in France or who have recently arrived. Some courses are free through OFII; others charge fees. The options depend on your situation, goals and availability. Here is how to choose a suitable course without unnecessary confusion or paying for something you do not need.
Open GuideKindergarten Assistant: How to hire a nanny
The nursery assistant is a nanny with the approval of the department. She takes the children to her home, usually up to four at the same time. If you are directly employed, the CAF can help you through the CMG and the returns go through Pajemploi. Here's how to check registration, sign the contract and manage the pay without losing you.
Open GuideMaintenance: contribution to the maintenance of the child
Support is the amount that one parent pays to the other for the maintenance of the child after separation. Generally paid by the non-custodial parent (or one who earns less in alternating residence). The amount is calculated on the basis of the Ministry of Justice's schedule, taking into account the income of both parents, the time spent in care, the number of children. Standard amount: 100–400 €/child/month. Can be fixed to the amicable (agreement) or by the judge. The CAF offers the ASF (Family Support Allowance) if the other parent does not pay. Below is how to fix and perceive.
Open GuideRussian-speaking weekend schools and Russian courses: check before registration
Russian-speaking out-of-school courses can support the family language, but they do not replace enrolment in a recognized school or compulsory education. Before paying, check the identity of the organizer, the status of the association or company, the qualifications of the participants, the insurance, the program and the cancellation conditions.
Open GuideSchool canine: price and payment of meals at school
The school canteen is the restoration of kindergartens (from 3 years old), elementary schools, colleges and high schools. The rate is fixed by the municipality (motherhood/elementary), the department (college) or the region (lycée). Price: 1–10 €/meal, often calculated according to the CAF family quotient (progressive scale). For modest families — €0.50–1 per meal. Registration in town hall or school. Monthly or quarterly payment according to actual consumption. Below is how to register the child and optimize the cost.
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Important remark
Educational allowances and options may vary depending on your situation (income, status, number of children). Check your eligibility directly with the CAF and the relevant institutions.
