Life in prison: inmates' family, social, health and civil rights
Verified 25 September 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)
Even if deprived of liberty, a detainee has family rights (right to marry, to see his children, etc.) and civil rights (right to vote). They can also access social assistance and medical care. We present you the information to know.
Warning
The rights of convicted prisoners are not the same those granted to persons placed in pre-trial detention (called " defendant ’ or ‘ accused »).
Convicted
A convicted prisoner has several family rights that allow him to maintain a bond with his relatives.
Can an inmate get married or go to prison?
A convicted prisoner has the right to getting married or entering into a civil solidarity pact (Civil partnerships).
The steps to get married differ from those to conclude a Civil partnership.
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Marriage
An inmate who wishes to marry in prison must apply to the head of the penitentiary or to the director of Prison Insertion and Probation Services (SPIP) from prison.
The application must be in writing and be accompanied by the following documents:
- Identity document (ID card, passport, etc.)
- Identity document of his future wife or husband
- Identification of each witness
- Birth certificate mentioning filiation of every future groom
- Proof of residence for the 2 parties. If the convicted person has no domicile outside the prison, he or she may provide a certificate of domicile within the prison.
FYI
A prisoner of foreign nationality could marry in prison even if he did not have a valid residence permit. He must provide the same documents as a French inmate and a certificate of custom.
The request shall be forwarded to public prosecutor which authorizes marriage.
If he considers that this event is impossible, he can oppose it (for example, if one of the future spouses is a minor).
The wedding is celebrated in prison by a city official.
The inmate's future spouse (or future wife) and marriage witnesses must all apply for visiting permit to be able to enter the prison.
Please note
The inmate may ask the head of the penitentiary to bring flowers, food and a camera to the wedding.
Civil partnerships
An inmate who wishes to enter into a Civil partnerships: titleContent shall make such a request to the head of the penitentiary or to the director of the Prison Service for Integration and Probation (SPIP) from prison.
This request must be written and be accompanied by the following:
- Detainee's identity document (identity card, passport)
- Identity document of the future Civil partnership partner
- Proof of address for the 2 parties. If the inmate does not have a home outside the prison, he or she may provide a certificate of residence within the prison.
The file is then forwarded to public prosecutor and at the town hall of the commune in which the prison is located.
The registrar moves around the prison to record the Civil partnerships. To participate in this event, the partner of the incarcerated person must obtain a visiting permit.
Please note
The inmate may request the registration of the Civil partnerships by a notary. In this case, the notary must apply for a visiting permit in order to draw up the contract of Civil partnerships within the prison. The approach is at the expense of the inmate.
Can an inmate retain parental authority over his minor child?
In principle, the imprisonment of a person does not entail the removal of parental authority.
The incarcerated person continues to exercise parental authority over his or her children.
Thus, it remains responsible for their education and can make important decisions concerning them (e.g. decisions concerning medical care for the child).
Nevertheless, the inmate may be deprived of parental authorityin particular if it is continued or convicted of committing an offense crime or offense on his child, his husband, his cohabiting partner or his Civil partnership partner.
Please note
The family judge may also pronounce the withdrawal of the exercise of parental authority. In this case, the person in custody retains the right to be informed of important decisions concerning the child, as well as access and correspondence, unless there are serious grounds (e.g. violence against the child).
What are the rights of a detained mother over her young child?
Incarcerated women can keep their children with them until the age of 18 months.
Mothers and their children are accommodated in specially designed spaces in the prison.
FYI
If the mother is in pre-trial detention, his transfer to an establishment with such premises requires the agreement of the magistrate in charge of his case (example: investigating judge).
If a mother wants to keep her child with her beyond 18 months, it must make a request in writing.
The incarcerated mother may give the request to her CPIP for transmission to the interregional director of prison services.
The Interregional Director of Prison Services takes a decision after obtaining the opinion of an advisory commission.
Before issuing its opinion, the commission must hear the mother or her lawyer and, if possible, any other person with parental authority or his lawyer.
If the child needs urgent medical care, his mother may be allowed to accompany him to the hospital.
The decision shall be taken by the head of the penitentiary institution, taking into account:
- Constraints related to the mode of detention or the maintenance of security and order in the institution
- Likelihood of the mother committing new acts infringements
- Protection of the interests of victims.
Warning
When the mother is in pretrial detention, the head of the prison must inform the magistrate in charge of her case.
Can an inmate be released from prison for family reasons?
Under certain conditions, an inmate may be granted permission to leave prison to maintain family ties (for example, spending time with his pregnant wife) or to attend an important family event.
In the event that a temporary absence is not granted, the inmate may request a temporary absence under escort.
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Permission to exit
An inmate may be granted temporary absence in the following 2 situations:
Maintenance of family ties
A convicted person may be released from prison to maintain ties with relatives, without having to endure the constraints of the visiting room.
The procedure for obtaining a temporary absence depends on the prison in which the person is incarcerated:
General scenario
Who can benefit from a temporary absence?
In order to be granted temporary absence, the convicted person must be one the following situations:
- He shall serve a prison sentence of not more than one year
- He can benefit from a parole but, for this, he must first obtain permission to leave
- He's already executed the half his sentence and the remaining to be suffered is less than 3 years prison (for example, a person sentenced to 7 years in prison who has already served 5 years may apply for temporary absence).
FYI
Minors sentenced to a prison sentence of more than 1 year must have served 1/3 of their sentence (e.g. a minor sentenced to 3 years' imprisonment must have spent at least 1 year in prison in order to apply for temporary absence).
Moreover, the convicted person must have the financial means to bear the costs of his stay outside prison.
How do I apply for a temporary absence?
An application for temporary absence must specify the dates, places, reasons for the requested temporary absence and the prison in which the detention takes place. It must also be accompanied by documents justifying the departure (e.g. a certificate of accommodation, a death certificate, etc.).
The request must be addressed to:
- At the Registry of sentencing judge that follows the adult convict
- Or at the children's judge that follows the juvenile convict.
It may be made by written declaration to the head of the penitentiary establishment (who shall forward it to the competent judge). Otherwise, it may be forwarded to the competent court by letter RAR: titleContent.
Who shall I contact
The judge makes his decision after examining the situation of the convicted person and obtaining the opinion of the commission for the enforcement of penalties.
This decision may be handed over to the detainee or his lawyer. It may also be notified to the inmate through the head of the penitentiary institution.
Please note
The decision of the judge may be the subject of a call in front of chamber for the enforcement of sentences. The convict 24 hours to challenge that decision.
How long is a temporary absence valid?
A temporary absence may be granted for one or more temporary absences.
Each outing lasts 3 days maximum.
How does the temporary absence work?
The decision granting leave to leave shall indicate the duration of the leave and the place where the convicted person is allowed to go and/or stay. It also specifies whether the convicted person is authorized to drive a vehicle.
Please note
One travel time may be granted, depending on the duration of the journey and the timetable of the means of transport used.
Finally, the decision sets out the obligations and prohibitions to which the convicted person is subject.
Example :
- Do not leave your home or a demarcated area
- Do not go to certain places
- Refrain from entering into contact with certain persons
- Do not go to the bars
- Respond to summonses from the judge or SPIP: titleContent.
Detention center
Who can benefit from a temporary absence?
In order to be granted temporary absence, the convicted person must 2 following conditions:
- He must have served at least 1/3 of his sentence (for example, a person sentenced to 3 years' imprisonment must have spent at least 1 year in prison in order to apply for temporary absence)
- He must have the financial means to bear the costs of his stay outside prison.
How do I apply for a temporary absence?
The request for temporary absence must specify the dates, places, reasons for the requested temporary absence and the prison in which the detention takes place. It must also be accompanied by documents justifying the departure (e.g. a certificate of accommodation, a death certificate, etc.).
The request must be addressed to:
- At the Registry of sentencing judge that follows the adult convict
- Or at the children's judge that follows the juvenile convict.
It may be made by written declaration to the head of the penitentiary establishment (who shall forward it to the competent judge). Otherwise, it may be forwarded to the competent court by letter RAR: titleContent.
Who shall I contact
The judge makes his decision after examining the situation of the convicted person and obtaining the opinion of the commission for the enforcement of penalties.
This decision may be handed over to the detainee or his lawyer. It may also be notified to the inmate through the head of the penitentiary institution.
Please note
The decision of the judge may be the subject of a call in front of chamber for the enforcement of sentences. The convict 24 hours to challenge that decision.
How long is a temporary absence valid?
A temporary absence may be granted for one or more temporary absences.
Each outing lasts a maximum of 5 days. Once a year, the convicted person may be granted permission of up to 10 days.
How does the temporary absence work?
The decision granting leave to leave shall indicate the duration of the leave and the place where the convicted person is allowed to go and/or stay. It also specifies whether the convicted person is authorized to drive a vehicle.
Please note
One travel time may be granted, depending on the duration of the journey and the timetable of the means of transport used.
Finally, the decision sets out the obligations and prohibitions to which the convicted person is subject.
Example :
- Do not leave your home or a demarcated area
- Do not go to certain places
- Refrain from entering into contact with certain persons
- Do not go to the bars
- Respond to summonses from the judge or SPIP: titleContent.
Important family event
Who can benefit from a temporary absence?
In order to be granted temporary absence, the convicted person must complete the 2 following conditions:
- The applicant must demonstrate that the application is justified by the serious illness or death of a member of his or her family or by the birth of his or her child
- She must have been sentenced to 5 years or less in prison or have served half of his sentence (if it is more than 5 years).
Example :
A man sentenced to 4 years in prison can apply for a temporary absence to attend the birth of his child.
A person sentenced to 6 years' imprisonment may apply for temporary leave to visit his or her critically ill mother if he or she has already served 3 years' imprisonment.
How do I apply for a temporary absence?
An application for temporary absence must specify the dates, places, reasons for the requested temporary absence and the prison in which the detention takes place. It must also be accompanied by documents justifying the departure (e.g. a certificate of accommodation, a death certificate, etc.).
The request must be addressed to:
- At the Registry of sentencing judge that follows the adult convict
- Or at the children's judge that follows the juvenile convict.
It may be made by written declaration to the head of the penitentiary establishment (who shall forward it to the competent judge). Otherwise, it may be forwarded to the competent court by letter RAR: titleContent.
Who shall I contact
The judge makes his decision after examining the situation of the convicted person and obtaining the opinion of the commission for the enforcement of penalties.
This decision may be handed over to the detainee or his lawyer. It may also be notified to the inmate through the head of the penitentiary institution.
Please note
The decision of the judge may be the subject of a call in front of chamber for the enforcement of sentences. The convict 24 hours to challenge that decision.
How long is the temporary absence valid?
A temporary absence may be granted for one or more temporary absences.
Each outing lasts 3 days maximum.
Escorted outing
The request for escorted release takes the form of a query. It must be addressed to the Registry of the sentencing judge.
Who shall I contact
The Jap makes its decision after the opinion of the commission for the enforcement of penalties.
If the judge grants the escorted release, he or she shall set a time limit within which the convicted person may be released from prison. In general, this period is a few hours.
During the discharge, the inmate is supervised by an escort composed of prison supervisory staff, police officers or gendarmes. It can also be handcuffed.
Please note
For greater discretion, the judge may exempt these officers from wearing uniforms.
If the Jap refuses or if there is no response, the detained person may appeal within 24 hours of the notification of the decision. The appeal must be forwarded to the President of the chamber for the enforcement of sentences.
Who shall I contact
A convicted prisoner shall have the right to social benefits provided that it meets certain conditions.
If he is deprived, he can also benefit from aid granted by the prison administration.
When he is released from prison, he may eventually be provided with emergency accommodation.
FYI
The detainee is informed of his social rights by his prison counselor for integration and probation.
What social benefits can a prisoner receive?
A detained person may receive the same social benefits as any other person.
However, the payment of these benefits is subject to special conditions when incarcerated.
In order to receive such assistance, the detainee must report his or her imprisonment to the Caf: titleContent. If he does not do so, he may be asked to repay the sums paid to him during his imprisonment.
Please note
Prisoners affiliated with the Agricultural social mutual fund (MSA) must also report their entry into prison to this body.
In order to take the necessary steps, the convicted prisoner may ask for help from his CPIP: titleContent.
Please note
The inmates who work in prison also have social rights (health insurance, pensions, etc.). For this reason, they have to pay social security contributions.
What assistance can be granted to a prisoner by the prison administration?
A prisoner who does not have financial resources can benefit from various aids granted by the prison administration.
Before paying this aid, a commission examines the detainee's situation: it checks in particular the sums that the detainee has received from his relatives or from any public body (example: the Caf: titleContent).
Then the head of the penitentiary institution issues a decision on whether or not the inmate is entitled to assistance from the penitentiary administration. This decision is notified to the inmate.
Aid may take two forms: aid in kind, financial aid.
Aid in kind (free supplies)
If the inmate does not have sufficient financial resources to support himself, the prison administration may, inter alia, provide him with:
- One hygiene kit (soap, toothpaste, razor, etc.) per month
- Spare clothes
- Access to television
- A refrigerator
- Writing materials (paper, pen, envelopes, stamps).
An inmate is considered destitute when the following 3 conditions are met:
- The available share of sound nominative account during the month preceding the current month is less than €100
- The available share of the registered account during the current month is less than €100
- The cumulative amount of its expenditure in the current month is less than €100.
Example :
It is February 2026. In January 2026, the detainee had €47 on his registered account. This month, she received a transfer from her family in the amount of €50. The first 2 conditions are met. On February 15, she made 2 purchases at the canteen for a total amount of €30. It can therefore benefit from the in-kind assistance of the prison administration.
Financial assistance
If the detainee has no money, the prison administration may pay him financial assistance in the amount of:
- €20 when he entered prison
- €30 per month during his detention.
FYI
If the detainee receives a visit from his relatives in family life unit (FVU), it may receive the sum of €12 per person present (child, spouse, etc.), for each 24-hour period. This amount is used to buy products in the canteen. For example, if the inmate receives his son for 48 hours, he can receive €24 for canteen.
An inmate is considered destitute when the following 3 conditions are met:
- The available share of his registered account during the month preceding the current month is less than €60
- The available share of the registered account during the current month is less than €60
- The cumulative amount of its expenditure in the current month is less than €60.
Example :
It is February 2026. In January 2026, the detainee had €27 on his registered account. This month, she received a transfer from her family in the amount of €30. The first 2 conditions are met. On February 20, she made 2 purchases at the canteen for a total amount of €30. It is therefore eligible for financial assistance from the prison administration.
Can an inmate be provided with emergency accommodation after release from prison?
The SPIP of each prison may enter into an agreement with an Integrated Reception and Referral Service (SIAO) with the aim of providing temporary accommodation (or accommodation) to those leaving prison.
Thus, before the end of his sentence, the convicted prisoner can apply for emergency accommodation if he has not found a solution to be housed after his release from prison.
This request is addressed to the SPIP of the prison. The PIPS forwards it to the OAIS that it considers most appropriate to the needs of the detained person.
The SIAO chosen determines the most suitable accommodation for the sentenced person, depending on his situation.
Former prisoners may be accommodated in collective accommodation (homes) or adapted housing.
This type of accommodation is temporary: it allows the former inmate to prepare for reintegration into the business (finding work, housing, etc.).
AOIS staff follow the former inmate until his situation has stabilized.
A convicted inmate can get care when he is sick. His health costs are covered by the Health Insurance.
How to get a medical appointment in prison?
Within each prison there is a prison health unit (USMP).
This unit works with public hospitals. It is composed of general practitioners, specialists (e.g. gynecologists), dentists, psychologists, nurses, etc.
When a person enters prison, a medical examination is organized. At this time, the person can indicate the health problems they are experiencing and/or the treatments they are undergoing.
Thereafter, the detained person can make a medical appointment by sending a letter to the USMP staff. A dedicated mailbox is placed in each prison. The letters are only read by the nursing staff. He is bound by medical secrecy.
FYI
When the inmate is placed in disciplinary cell, a physician from the USMP visits him whenever he deems it necessary and at least twice a week.
Each consultation with USMP staff is free of charge and the necessary medication is provided by the prison administration.
The rules and regulations of each prison indicates the opening hours of the USMP.
When making a request for consultation, the detainee is kept informed of the date and time of the appointment. She has to go there and be punctual.
If her condition requires it, she can be taken to the public hospital on which the USMP depends.
Please note
It is possible to request a medical appointment with your attending physician or a specialist not designated by the prison administration (example: gynecologist). To do so, the prisoner must have obtained the authorization of the interregional director of prison services. The consultation will be at the inmate's expense.
In addition, inmates in need of special care may request their transfer to a prison more adapted to their state of health. If he's in pre-trial detentionin particular, his transfer must be authorized by the judge in charge of his case.
Are the health costs of an inmate covered?
An inmate is attached to the general social security system. He therefore benefits from a coverage of his health costs from the moment he is jailed.
The inmate does not have to contact the Health Insurance. It is the prison that carries out the necessary formalities on the basis of the information communicated to it during the detention.
The person imprisoned shall benefit from third-party payment : it therefore has no health costs to advance.
It may apply to benefit from the complementary health solidarity (CSS).
Please note
If it exercises a professional activity in prison, this coverage is provided by the health insurance scheme to which this activity belongs.
A convicted inmate right to vote if he still has his civil rights.
In order to vote, he must also be registered on the electoral roll.
Depending on the type of election, voting may take place by mail, by proxy or directly at the polling station.
Pretrial detention
A person in pre-trial detention has several family rights that allow him to maintain a bond with his loved ones.
Can an inmate get married or go to prison?
A person in pre-trial detention has the right to getting married or entering into a civil solidarity pact (Civil partnerships).
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Marriage
An inmate who wishes to marry in prison must apply to the head of the penitentiary or to the director of Prison Insertion and Probation Services (SPIP) from prison.
The application must be in writing and be accompanied by the following documents:
- Identity document (ID card, passport, etc.)
- Identity document of his future wife or husband
- Identification of each witness
- Birth certificate mentioning filiation of every future groom
- Proof of residence for the 2 parties. If the convicted person has no domicile outside the prison, he or she may provide a certificate of domicile within the prison.
FYI
A prisoner of foreign nationality could marry in prison even if he did not have a valid residence permit. He must provide the same documents as a French inmate and a certificate of custom.
The request shall be forwarded to public prosecutor which authorizes marriage.
If he considers that this event is impossible, he can oppose it (for example, if one of the future spouses is a minor).
The wedding is celebrated in prison by a city official.
The inmate's future spouse (or future wife) and marriage witnesses must all apply for visiting permit to be able to enter the prison.
Please note
The inmate may ask the head of the penitentiary to bring flowers, food and a camera to the wedding.
Civil partnerships
An inmate who wishes to enter into a Civil partnerships: titleContent shall make such a request to the head of the penitentiary or to the director of the Prison Service for Integration and Probation (SPIP) from prison.
This request must be written and be accompanied by the following:
- Detainee's identity document (identity card, passport)
- Identity document of the future Civil partnership partner
- Proof of address for the 2 parties. If the inmate does not have a home outside the prison, he or she may provide a certificate of residence within the prison.
The file is then forwarded to public prosecutor and at the town hall of the commune in which the prison is located.
The registrar moves around the prison to record the Civil partnerships. To participate in this event, the partner of the incarcerated person must obtain a visiting permit.
Please note
The inmate may request the registration of the Civil partnerships by a notary. In this case, the notary must apply for a visiting permit in order to draw up the contract of Civil partnerships within the prison. The approach is at the expense of the inmate.
Can an inmate retain parental authority over his minor child?
In principle, the imprisonment of a person does not entail the removal of parental authority.
The incarcerated person continues to exercise parental authority over his or her children.
Thus, it remains responsible for their education and can make important decisions concerning them (e.g. decisions concerning medical care for the child).
Nevertheless, the inmate may be deprived of parental authorityin particular if it is continued or convicted of committing an offense crime or offense on his child, his husband, his cohabiting partner or his Civil partnership partner.
Please note
The family judge may also pronounce the withdrawal of the exercise of parental authority. In this case, the person in custody retains the right to be informed of important decisions concerning the child, as well as access and correspondence, unless there are serious grounds (e.g. violence against the child).
What are the rights of a detained mother over her young child?
Incarcerated women can keep their children with them until the age of 18 months.
Mothers and their children are accommodated in specially designed spaces in the prison.
FYI
If the mother is in pre-trial detention, his transfer to an establishment with such premises requires the agreement of the magistrate in charge of his case (example: investigating judge).
If a mother wants to keep her child with her beyond 18 months, it must make a request in writing.
The incarcerated mother may give the request to her CPIP for transmission to the interregional director of prison services.
The Interregional Director of Prison Services takes a decision after obtaining the opinion of an advisory commission.
Before issuing its opinion, the commission must hear the mother or her lawyer and, if possible, any other person with parental authority or his lawyer.
If the child needs urgent medical care, his mother may be allowed to accompany him to the hospital.
The decision shall be taken by the head of the penitentiary institution, taking into account:
- Constraints related to the mode of detention or the maintenance of security and order in the institution
- Likelihood of the mother committing new acts infringements
- Protection of the interests of victims.
Warning
When the mother is in pretrial detention, the head of the prison must inform the magistrate in charge of her case.
Can an inmate be released from prison in the event of a significant family event?
In the event of a significant family event (e.g. serious illness, death of a close relative or birth of a child), the defendant (or the accused) may request a escorted exit permit.
The request for escorted release takes the form of a query. It must be addressed to the Registry of the investigating judge in charge of the case.
Who shall I contact
If the judge grants the escorted release, he or she sets a time limit for the accused (or accused) to be released from prison. In general, this period is a few hours.
During the discharge, the person is supervised by an escort composed of prison surveillance personnel, police officers or gendarmes. It can also be handcuffed.
FYI
The decision of the investigating judge may be appealed to the President of the investigation chamber, within 24 hours of notification of the decision.
The inmate, through sound lawyer, shall address a declaration of appeal at the registry of the investigating chamber.
Who shall I contact
Can an inmate apply to change prison to be closer to his family?
A person in pre-trial detention who wishes to be geographically close to his family, may request to be transferred to another penitentiary institution. The transfer can only take place if judicial information is complete.
To be transferred, the detainee must send a written letter to the Inter-Regional Director of Prison Services (DISP), through the staff of the prison in which he is located.
This letter should explain the difficulties that remoteness creates for visiting and maintaining family ties.
It must also specify certain information such as the family's place of residence, family ties with the persons concerned, the geographical area to which the detainee wishes to be transferred, etc.
This letter must be accompanied by all documents justifying the transfer (e.g. family record book, marriage certificate, travel documents used by the family, etc.)
The application is examined by the judge in charge of the case and the interregional director of the prison service.
Please note
In some cases, the application is reviewed by the Minister of Justice (for example, for terrorist attacks).
If the judge and the DISP give a favorable opinion to the transfer, the inmate changes prison until his judgment.
If the judge in charge of the case gives an unfavorable opinion, the detainee may challenge this decision before the president of the investigation chamber.
The person in pre-trial detention is entitled to social benefits. If she is deprived, she may also benefit from aid granted by the prison administration.
When she is released from prison, she may eventually be provided with emergency accommodation.
FYI
The defendant (or the accused) is informed of its social rights by its Prison Adviser for Integration and Probation (CPIP).
What social benefits can the prisoner receive?
A detained person may receive the same social benefits as any other person.
However, the payment of these benefits is subject to special conditions when incarcerated.
In order to receive such assistance, the detainee must report his or her imprisonment to the Caf: titleContent. If he does not do so, he may be asked to repay the sums paid to him during his imprisonment.
Please note
Prisoners affiliated with the Agricultural social mutual fund (MSA) must also report their entry into prison to this body.
In order to take the necessary steps, the convicted prisoner may ask for help from his CPIP: titleContent.
Please note
The inmates who work in prison also have social rights (health insurance, pensions, etc.). For this reason, they have to pay social security contributions.
What assistance can be granted to the detainee by the prison administration?
A prisoner who does not have financial resources can benefit from various aids granted by the prison administration.
Before paying this aid, a commission examines the detainee's situation: it checks in particular the sums that the detainee has received from his relatives or from any public body (example: the Caf: titleContent).
Then the head of the penitentiary institution issues a decision on whether or not the inmate is entitled to assistance from the penitentiary administration. This decision is notified to the inmate.
Aid may take two forms: aid in kind, financial aid.
Aid in kind (free supplies)
If the inmate does not have sufficient financial resources to support himself, the prison administration may, inter alia, provide him with:
- One hygiene kit (soap, toothpaste, razor, etc.) per month
- Spare clothes
- Access to television
- A refrigerator
- Writing materials (paper, pen, envelopes, stamps).
An inmate is considered destitute when the following 3 conditions are met:
- The available share of sound nominative account during the month preceding the current month is less than €100
- The available share of the registered account during the current month is less than €100
- The cumulative amount of its expenditure in the current month is less than €100.
Example :
It is February 2026. In January 2026, the detainee had €47 on his registered account. This month, she received a transfer from her family in the amount of €50. The first 2 conditions are met. On February 15, she made 2 purchases at the canteen for a total amount of €30. It can therefore benefit from the in-kind assistance of the prison administration.
Financial assistance
If the detainee has no money, the prison administration may pay him financial assistance in the amount of:
- €20 when he entered prison
- €30 per month during his detention.
FYI
If the detainee receives a visit from his relatives in family life unit (FVU), it may receive the sum of €12 per person present (child, spouse, etc.), for each 24-hour period. This amount is used to buy products in the canteen. For example, if the inmate receives his son for 48 hours, he can receive €24 for canteen.
An inmate is considered destitute when the following 3 conditions are met:
- The available share of his registered account during the month preceding the current month is less than €60
- The available share of the registered account during the current month is less than €60
- The cumulative amount of its expenditure in the current month is less than €60.
Example :
It is February 2026. In January 2026, the detainee had €27 on his registered account. This month, she received a transfer from her family in the amount of €30. The first 2 conditions are met. On February 20, she made 2 purchases at the canteen for a total amount of €30. It is therefore eligible for financial assistance from the prison administration.
One defendant (or a accused) can get care when he is sick. His health costs are covered by the Health Insurance.
How to get a medical appointment in prison?
Within each prison there is a prison health unit (USMP).
This unit works with public hospitals. It is composed of general practitioners, specialists (e.g. gynecologists), dentists, psychologists, nurses, etc.
When a person enters prison, a medical examination is organized. At this time, the person can indicate the health problems they are experiencing and/or the treatments they are undergoing.
Thereafter, the detained person can make a medical appointment by sending a letter to the USMP staff. A dedicated mailbox is placed in each prison. The letters are only read by the nursing staff. He is bound by medical secrecy.
FYI
When the inmate is placed in disciplinary cell, a physician from the USMP visits him whenever he deems it necessary and at least twice a week.
Each consultation with USMP staff is free of charge and the necessary medication is provided by the prison administration.
The rules and regulations of each prison indicates the opening hours of the USMP.
When making a request for consultation, the detainee is kept informed of the date and time of the appointment. She has to go there and be punctual.
If her condition requires it, she can be taken to the public hospital on which the USMP depends.
Please note
It is possible to request a medical appointment with your attending physician or a specialist not designated by the prison administration (example: gynecologist). To do so, the prisoner must have obtained the authorization of the interregional director of prison services. The consultation will be at the inmate's expense.
In addition, prisoners who need special care may request their transfer to a prison more adapted to their state of health. If he's in pre-trial detentionin particular, his transfer must be authorized by the judge in charge of his case.
Are the inmate's health costs covered?
An inmate is attached to the general social security system. He therefore benefits from a coverage of his health costs from the moment he is jailed.
The inmate does not have to contact the Health Insurance. It is the prison that carries out the necessary formalities on the basis of the information communicated to it during the detention.
The person imprisoned shall benefit from third-party payment : it therefore has no health costs to advance.
It may apply to benefit from the complementary health solidarity (CSS).
Please note
If it exercises a professional activity in prison, this coverage is provided by the health insurance scheme to which this activity belongs.
A person in pre-trial detention may voting by proxy or by mail.
To do so, she must be registered on the electoral roll.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
For information on the different rights of detainees
Prison Service for Integration and Probation (Spip)To be defended in case of violation of a right
By post (from France, free and without postage)
Defender of rights
Free answer 71120
75342 Paris cedex 07
Warning: attach to your mail photocopies of the documents relating to your referral.
By email
Access to contact form
To be represented during a procedure
Lawyer
Marriage and Civil partnerships
Protection of mother and child
Protection of mother and child
Permissions to exit
Principle of escorted temporary absence
Authorization to leave under escort for a convicted person
Authorization to leave under escort for a person in pre-trial detention
Transfer from prison
In-kind and financial assistance to inmates without adequate resources
Social protection of prisoners
Exercise of the right to vote
FAQ
Service Public
Service Public
Ministry of Justice
Defender of rights