Educational assistance

What fine for parents who do not appear before the juvenile judge?

Publié le 03 décembre 2025 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

An educational assistance procedure may be initiated to protect a minor in a situation of danger or neglect. Such legal proceedings may arise, inter alia, from the delinquency of a minor or the inability of parents to provide for the basic needs of their child. A maximum amount has just been set for the fine incurred by parents who do not appear before the children's judge, in the context of an educational assistance procedure.

The educational assistance procedure is a judicial measure for the protection of children. It is used to protect minors:

  • whose health, safety or morals are in danger;
  • or whose conditions of education or development are seriously compromised.

It may originate from:

  • one neglect on the part of parents, demonstrating their inability to meet the basic needs of their child;
  • of serious family conflicts (conflictual separation, inability to exercise parental authority serenely, etc.);
  • of physical or psychological abuse within the family;
  • the behavior of the child (delinquency, school absenteeism, etc.).

FYI  

An educational assistance procedure may be triggered:

  • by worrying information from social services, schools or health professionals.
  • at the request of the public prosecutor;
  • by direct referral to the parents or the child himself;
  • ex officio, by a children's judge.

The children's judge first makes a thorough assessment of the family situation (possible solicitation of social or psychological relations, possible hearings of the parents and/or the child, etc.). A hearing is then held in the Juvenile Court, attended by:

  • the minor (if he is able to express a thoughtful opinion thanks to his maturity and degree of understanding);
  • parents or guardian;
  • the social workers concerned.

A children's judge may impose a civil fine on parents who do not attend the hearings or hearings to which they have been summoned, without legitimate reason.

The maximum possible amount for this fine has just been fixed; it is set at €7,500. This provision applies from 1er December 2025.

Please note

A children's judge must first endeavor to find an appropriate solution to enable the minor to remain in his family environment. For this purpose, it may designate a qualified person or a specialized service to provide assistance and advice to the family.

At the end of the educational assistance procedure, the children's judge may:

Educational assistance measures are generally ordered for a maximum of 2 years, renewable by special reasoned decision.

Additional topics

Agenda

See all due dates