Section actions
Duration: Meeting with the social worker: 1–2 interviews; evaluation and plan: 2–6 weeks
Cost: Free for families; foster families — allowances 2 800–4 500 €/month
On-site only
Who this guide is for
Section actions
- You if your family is in a difficult situation (financial, psychological, parental)
- You if you want to become a foster family
- You if you know a child in danger and want to report (anonymous possible)
To be prepared in advance
Section actions
- Description of your situation (finance, housing, food, health)
- Family Composition Documents (Family Book, Tax Notice)
- In the event of a report of a child in danger — description of the facts with dates
Step-by-step procedure
Section actions
- 1Determine the type of assistance: (1) home educational assistance (AEMO); (2) out-of-family care (host family, home); (3) support for young mothers; (4) financial assistance for basic needs (clothing, food, education); (5) support for victims of violence.
- 2Talk to the ASE of your Departmental Council: in person at MDLD (Maison des solidarités), by telephone, or via a social worker (CAF, school, hospital). Free and confidential.
- 3For family assistance: a social worker assesses the needs and proposes a plan (AEMO — educational assistance at home; monthly allowance, access to leisure, holiday). Decision after meeting with you and the child.
- 4For the reception of the child: only by decision of the juvenile judge (art. 375 of the Civil Code). First report to the CRIP, then auditions, then judge's decision. The ESA chooses the host family or home.
- 5Become a foster family: contact the ESA, pass the assessment (psychosocial, housing, resources). Get approval (valid for 5 years). Indemnities: 2 800–4 500 €/month gross (including maintenance allowances).
- 6Report a child at risk (maltreatment, neglect): contact your department's CRIP (research on the department's website) or call 119 (Snated — free national number, 24/7). Anonymity is possible.
- 7Support for young mothers (<21 years) or pregnant women in difficulty: ESA offers accommodation (Centre Maternel), accompaniment, financial assistance. Access via a social worker.
- 8Adolescent at risk (offence, addiction, suicide): ESA works with the PJJ (Judicial Protection of Youth), National Education. Ask for an intervention via the school or CRIP.
- 9Confidentiality: all ESA services are free of charge. Information about you is covered by professional secrecy. The child report may be anonymous.
Common mistakes
Section actions
- Believing that the ESA is for you only: its mission is to protect the child, aid is a collateral effect.
- Fear of addressing the ASE by stigmatization: the ASE offers assistance, does not withdraw the child without a judge's decision.
- Do not report a child in danger thinking "it's not my business": 119 is free and anonymous.
- Relying on material aid as a permanent income: ESA is a temporary aid, relayed by the CAF, Employment Centre.
- Confound ASE and PJJ: ESA is social protection, PJJ is the judicial way (the latter for offenders).
Official sources
Section actions
Show sources in this section
Important remark
The ESA is governed by the Code of Social Action and Families (L112-3, L221-1 et s.). Indicative information; specific services to the Departmental Council.
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