Child care proceedings lawyer
Social services Lawyer 

In the UK, the equivalent of child protective services is run by local authorities, typically referred to as Children’s Services. They are responsible for safeguarding children at risk of abuse, neglect, or harm.

The system works closely with schools, health services, and the police to identify and respond to child protection concerns.

In France, child protective services are known as the Aide Sociale à l’Enfance (ASE).

ASE is responsible for child protection, including investigating cases of abuse or neglect and taking necessary steps to remove children from dangerous situations.

ASE operates under the Departmental Councils, and its main role is to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.

The ASE’s primary role is to provide protection and care for children who are at risk. This includes placing children in foster care or other protective environments if their home life is deemed unsafe.

ASE also provides social, educational, and psychological support to children and their families, aiming to resolve issues that lead to child protection involvement.

ASE in France investigates reports of abuse or neglect, assesses family situations, and interfere when necessary, by providing temporary care or removing children from their homes.

ASE also supports families in crisis by offering counselling, educational assistance, and help with parenting skills, with the goal of reunification whenever possible.

Both the UK and France have robust child welfare systems, but their effectiveness varies depending on the criteria used.

The UK is often praised for its clear legal frameworks and multi-agency approach, while France’s system is more focused on providing long-term support and rehabilitation for families.

Some may argue that the UK’s system is more proactive, while others favour France’s emphasis on social assistance. Ultimately, the “best” system depends on individual perspectives, with each country excelling in different areas.

“Une information préoccupante” is a report made to child protection authorities in France when there are concerns about a child’s health, safety, or development being at risk.

This can involve suspected abuse, neglect, or any situation that might jeopardize the child’s well-being. It triggers an investigation to assess the situation and determine if further action is necessary to protect the child.

Before getting involved, the ASE (Aide Sociale à l’Enfance) typically conducts an assessment based on information received from concerned parties (such as CRIP, social workers, or schools).

They evaluate whether a child is at risk and if the situation requires intervention.

This may include interviews with the family, home visits, and coordination with other professionals to determine if support or protective action is necessary.

The ASE can assist you with your child’s education by providing guidance, support, and resources.

They can help ensure that your child has access to appropriate educational opportunities, offer assistance in dealing with school issues, and even work with schools to ensure that any educational challenges are addressed. If needed, they can also arrange for tutoring or special education services.

Yes!

Tthe ASE can provide financial support or guidance if your financial situation is affecting your ability to care for your child.

While ASE itself doesn’t provide direct financial aid, it can connect you to relevant social services or programs that offer financial assistance, including help with housing, food, or managing day-to-day expenses.

Yes!

ASE can assist you with organizing your daily activities if you are struggling to manage them.

They can offer social support, counselling, and resources to help you with time management, parenting strategies, and ensuring that your child’s needs are met.

This could include developing routines, structuring family life, or accessing support services for specific needs.

ASE can help by providing practical support in managing your household, especially if your ability to maintain a safe and healthy living environment for your child is compromised.

This might include guidance on housekeeping, budgeting, and ensuring that the home is safe and suitable for children. In some cases, they may arrange for in-home support services.

The frequency of ASE’s visits depends on the level of concern and the needs of the family.

After an initial assessment, visits can range from occasional check-ins to more regular or frequent monitoring, depending on the nature of the intervention.

If there is an ongoing protective measure in place, visits may occur on a weekly or monthly basis, as determined by ASE and the specific circumstances of the case.

A voluntary placement in France is a decision made by the Aide Sociale à l’Enfance (ASE), often in agreement with the child’s parents, to place the child outside their family home, usually in foster care or a specialised institution, with no court order in place.

Unlike judicial placements, which are ordered by a judge, an administrative placement is typically voluntary. It occurs with the consent of the parents or legal guardians, who agree to temporarily place the child under the care of ASE.

Parents or legal guardians may voluntarily place a child into care for many reasons, often related to challenges they face that prevent them from adequately caring for the child.

This can be for health issues, financial or housing issues etc…

No!

Consent must be obtained before putting a child into voluntary care.

In France, a child can be put into voluntary foster care when their parents are unable to give consent.

There are different types of voluntary placements in France:

– Kinship foster care

– Foster care

– Private fostering

– The child’s home

– Specialised institutions

Yes!

“Accueil 72h” (literally “72-hour placement”) in France is a short-term emergency care measure used in situations where a child is in immediate danger or at risk, and immediate intervention is required to ensure their safety.

This type of placement lasts for up to 72 hours and serves as a temporary solution while social services or the Aide Sociale à l’Enfance (ASE) assess the child’s situation and determine the best course of action.

It is designed to be a temporary measure lasting a maximum of 72 hours (3 days). During this period, social services evaluate the child’s situation and decide on the next steps.

Yes, however !

If your child is placed in foster care under the supervision of Aide Sociale à l’Enfance (ASE), you generally retain parental responsibility (autorité parentale) unless the court has specifically restricted or removed it. This means that while ASE manages the day-to-day care of your child, you still have a say in important decisions concerning your child’s life.

If you are facing legal issues involving social services in the UK or France, PacisLexis Family Law offers expert legal advice and representation.

With their extensive experience in family law, PacisLexis Family law can guide you through care proceedings, advocate for your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome for you and your child.

A lawyer can help families in France navigate the complexities of ASE involvement. Potential outcomes include successfully reuniting families, preventing the removal of children, or ensuring that children in care are placed in the most supportive environments. Lawyers can also challenge the decisions of social services, appeal care orders, and ensure that the family’s rights are upheld.

In child welfare cases, decisions made by social services and courts can have long-term impacts on a child’s life and family.

Legal representation ensures that families understand their rights and options, advocates for fair treatment, and works toward outcomes that prioritise the child’s best interests.