In France, the protection of children is the responsibility of the departmental council. The council is responsible for the departmental social service, the Maternal and Child Protection (PMI) service, and the Child Welfare service. The PMI service, under the supervision of a doctor, offers free consultations and preventive actions for pregnant women and children under the age of 6. You can access PMI services by contacting them by phone or visiting the website of the departmental council of your region. Once you have accessed their website, you can make an appointment by phone or by visiting the service center during its opening hours.
In addition to the PMI services, there are other measures in place to protect children in France. In particular, some vaccinations are mandatory, while others are recommended. You can find more information about the required vaccinations for your children by contacting your local PMI service.
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, you can report your concerns to the departmental council. The council is responsible for investigating any reports of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. It is important to note that reporting suspected cases of child abuse is not only a legal obligation in France, but it is also a moral imperative to protect the well-being of children.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child in France, there are several steps you must follow. You will need to contact your departmental council’s Child Welfare service and complete an application process. The council will then conduct an evaluation of your suitability to care for a child, which will include a home study and a criminal background check. Once you have been approved, you will be eligible to provide a safe and loving home for a child in need.