Medal for Children and Families
Verified 11 December 2025 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
The medal of childhood and families is a honorary distinction. It rewards the merits and shows the recognition of the Nation to those who raise (or have raised) children. Would you like to know the conditions for obtaining, how to apply and what are the effects? We present you the information to know. They differ depending on whether the family resides in France or abroad.
In France
Persons of French nationality or foreigners in a legal situation can obtain the medal of childhood and families.
The following individuals may receive the Child and Family Medal:
- Person raising or having raised at least 4 children from french nationality, of whichelder has reached the age of 16 years
- Person raising or having raised with dignity one or more children in a context particularly difficult family, social or economic, includingelder has reached the age of 16 years.
Please note
To get the child and family medal, the person must have also in the exercise of the rights and duties of children, constant effort to raise them in the better moral and material conditions possible.
However, by way of derogation, the following individuals may also receive the Children and Families Medal:
- A person who, on the death of his or her parents, has raised or raised alone for at least 2 years one or more of his or her siblings
- A person who has raised or raised alone, for at least 2 years, one or more children of his family who have become orphans
- Widow or widower of war or act of terrorism, raising or having raised alone one or more of his children, by reason of the death of his spouse
- A person who dedicates or has dedicated his professional life or volunteer work to the support, protection and defense of children and families. This person must have acted in the areas of early childhood care, child protection, support for parenthood, prevention and fight against child and family poverty, and maternal and child protection.
- Person who has rendered exceptional services for the accompaniment and support of families or for the accompaniment and protection of children and their rights.
FYI
The Medal of Childhood and Families can be awarded posthumously if the application is made within 2 years of death.
The request for the medal of childhood and families can be made by yourself.
However, one of the following may also nominate you:
- Prefect
- Parliamentary
- Mayor
- Chairman of the Departmental Council
- President of the Caf: titleContent
- President of the local agricultural social mutual fund
- President of the departmental union of family associations of the department where the proposed person resides.
Please note
The person being proposed must sign a declaration of acceptance.
The documents to be provided and the place to file your file vary depending on your situation:
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General case
You must file your file, against receipt, at the town hall of your home.
Your file consists of following documents :
- Form cerfa no. 15319 completed, dated and signed
- Copy of the valid national identity card or passport (or residence permit or receipt for application for renewal of residence permit)
- Extract from the criminal record
- Full copy or extract with filiation of the birth certificate of each of the children
- School certificates for all school-aged children
- In the case of divorce or separation, extract from the decision which issued it and any other judicial decision relating to parental authority
- Attestations, if any, by qualified persons or groups, of the applicant's qualifications and merits.
Persons concerned by the derogation
The documents to be provided and the location to file your file vary according to your situation :
A person who, on the death of his parents, has raised or raised alone for at least 2 years one or more of his siblings
You must file your file, against receipt, at the prefecture of your home.
Your file consists of following documents :
- Form cerfa no. 15319 completed, dated and signed
- Copy of the valid national identity card or passport (or residence permit or receipt for application for renewal of residence permit)
- Extract from the criminal record
- Proof that you raise or have raised alone for at least 2 years one or more of your siblings upon the death of your parents
- Attestations, if any, by qualified persons or groups, of the applicant's qualifications and merits.
Warning
If the proposal for the Medal for Children and Families is initiated by the Minister in charge of the family, you must return the file with the necessary documents.
A person who has cared for or raised, for at least 2 years, one or more children of his or her family who have become orphans
You must file your file, against receipt, at the prefecture of your home.
Your file consists of following documents :
- Form cerfa no. 15319 completed, dated and signed
- Copy of the valid national identity card or passport (or residence permit or receipt for application for renewal of residence permit)
- Extract from the criminal record
- Proof that you are raising or have raised one or more children of your family who have been orphaned for at least 2 years
- Attestations, if any, by qualified persons or groups, of the applicant's qualifications and merits.
Warning
If the proposal for the Medal for Children and Families is initiated by the Minister in charge of the family, you must return the file with the necessary documents.
Widow or widower of war or act of terrorism raising or raising one or more children alone, as a result of the death of his spouse
You must file your file, against receipt, at the prefecture of your home.
Your file consists of following documents :
- Form cerfa no. 15319 completed, dated and signed
- Copy of the valid national identity card or passport (or residence permit or receipt for application for renewal of residence permit)
- Extract from the criminal record
- Proof that you are raising or have raised one or more of your children alone upon the death of your spouse who is a victim of war or terrorism
- Attestations, if any, by qualified persons or groups, of the applicant's qualifications and merits.
Warning
If the proposal for the Medal for Children and Families is initiated by the Minister in charge of the family, you must return the file with the necessary documents.
Person who dedicates or has dedicated his professional life or volunteer work to the support, protection and defense of children and families
You must file your file, against receipt, at the prefecture of your home.
Your file consists of following documents :
- Form cerfa no. 15319 completed, dated and signed
- Copy of the valid national identity card or passport (or residence permit or receipt for application for renewal of residence permit)
- Extract from the criminal record
- Proof that you dedicate or have dedicated your professional life or your voluntary action to the support, protection and defense of children and families
- Attestations, if any, by qualified persons or groups, of the applicant's qualifications and merits.
Warning
If the proposal for the Medal for Children and Families is initiated by the Minister in charge of the family, you must return the file with the necessary documents.
Person who has rendered exceptional services for the accompaniment and support of families or for the accompaniment and protection of children and their rights
This is a proposal for the award of the Medal for Children and Families made by the Minister in charge of the family. You must return the file with the necessary documents.
Your file consists of following documents :
- Form cerfa no. 15319 completed, dated and signed
- Copy of the valid national identity card or passport (or residence permit or receipt for application for renewal of residence permit)
- Extract from the criminal record
- Proof of the functions performed or of any contribution in the field of support and support for families or for the support and protection of children and their rights
- Attestations, if any, by qualified persons or groups, of the applicant's qualifications and merits.
The study of the medal application of childhood and families depends on your situation:
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General case
Examination of the file
The mayor verifies the accuracy of the vital statistics information you provided in your file.
He then sends the prefect your application, accompanied by his reasoned opinion.
The file is examined by the prefect, after a reasoned opinion from the president of the departmental union of family associations.
The prefect may also delegate all or part of the examination of files to the departmental union of family associations.
FYI
The prefect can ask you for a criminal record extract for your spouse, partner of Civil partnerships: titleContent or cohabiting partner if your file reveals doubts about his behavior.
Decision
Prefectural decrees awarding the medal for children and families are published in the collection of administrative acts
Persons concerned by the derogation
The situation varies depending on your case:
A person who, on the death of his parents, has raised or raised alone for at least 2 years one or more of his siblings
The situation varies according to whether the assignment is taken by the prefect or the minister in charge of the family:
By the Prefect
Examination of the file
The request shall be examined by the prefect.
The prefect may, if he wishes, obtain the opinion of the departmental union of family associations.
Decision
The award decision is the subject of a prefectural decree awarding the medal for children and families and published in the collection of administrative acts.
By the Minister in charge of the family
Examination of the file
The application shall be examined by the services of the Minister responsible for the family.
The Minister responsible for the family may, if he wishes, obtain the opinion of the National Union of Family Associations.
Decision
The award is subject to an order of the Minister in charge of the family, published in the Official Bulletin of Decorations, Medals and Awards of the Republic.
A person who has cared for or raised, for at least 2 years, one or more children of his or her family who have become orphans
The situation varies according to whether the assignment is taken by the prefect or the minister in charge of the family:
By the Prefect
Examination of the file
The request shall be examined by the prefect.
The prefect may, if he wishes, obtain the opinion of the departmental union of family associations.
Decision
The award decision is the subject of a prefectural decree awarding the medal for children and families and published in the collection of administrative acts.
By the Minister in charge of the family
Examination of the file
The application shall be examined by the services of the Minister responsible for the family.
The Minister responsible for the family may, if he wishes, obtain the opinion of the National Union of Family Associations.
Decision
The award is subject to an order of the Minister in charge of the family, published in the Official Bulletin of Decorations, Medals and Awards of the Republic.
Widow or widower of war or act of terrorism raising or raising alone one or more of his children, as a result of the death of his spouse
The situation varies according to whether the assignment is taken by the prefect or the minister in charge of the family:
By the Prefect
Examination of the file
The request shall be examined by the prefect.
The prefect may, if he wishes, obtain the opinion of the departmental union of family associations.
Decision
The award decision is the subject of a prefectural decree awarding the medal for children and families and published in the collection of administrative acts.
By the Minister in charge of the family
Examination of the file
The application shall be examined by the services of the Minister responsible for the family.
The Minister responsible for the family may, if he wishes, obtain the opinion of the National Union of Family Associations.
Decision
The award is subject to an order of the Minister in charge of the family, published in the Official Bulletin of Decorations, Medals and Awards of the Republic.
Person who dedicates or has dedicated his professional life or volunteer work to the support, protection and defense of children and families
The situation varies according to whether the assignment is taken by the prefect or the minister in charge of the family:
By the Prefect
Examination of the file
The request shall be examined by the prefect.
The prefect may, if he wishes, obtain the opinion of the departmental union of family associations.
Decision
The award decision is the subject of a prefectural decree awarding the medal for children and families and published in the collection of administrative acts.
By the Minister in charge of the family
Examination of the file
The application shall be examined by the services of the Minister responsible for the family.
The Minister responsible for the family may, if he wishes, obtain the opinion of the National Union of Family Associations.
Decision
The award is subject to an order of the Minister in charge of the family, published in the Official Bulletin of Decorations, Medals and Awards of the Republic.
Person who has rendered exceptional services for the accompaniment and support of families or for the accompaniment and protection of children and their rights
If you have rendered exceptional services for the accompaniment and support of families or for the accompaniment and protection of children and their rights, the medal application is only considered by the minister for the family.
Examination of the file
The application shall be examined by the services of the Minister responsible for the family.
Decision
The award is subject to an order of the Minister in charge of the family, published in the Official Bulletin of Decorations, Medals and Awards of the Republic.
The person who gives you the child and family medal varies depending on your situation:
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General case
The Medal of Childhood and Families is awarded to you by prefect, after receiving a reasoned opinion from the president of the departmental union of family associations.
Persons concerned by the derogation
The person who awards you the Child and Family Medal varies depending on your situation:
A person who, on the death of his parents, has raised or raised alone for at least 2 years one or more of his siblings
You are awarded the Children and Families Medal by the prefect and the minister for the family.
A person who has cared for or raised, for at least 2 years, one or more children of his or her family who have become orphans
You are awarded the Children and Families Medal by the prefect and the minister for the family.
Widow or widower of war or act of terrorism raising or raising alone one or more of his children, as a result of the death of his spouse
You are awarded the Children and Families Medal by the prefect and the minister for the family.
Person who dedicates or has dedicated his professional life or volunteer work to the support, protection and defense of children and families
You are awarded the Children and Families Medal by the prefect and the minister for the family.
Person who has rendered exceptional services for the accompaniment and support of families or for the accompaniment and protection of children and their rights
The Medal of Childhood and Families is awarded to you by minister for the family.
FYI
If you have been refused the request for a child and family medal, you can ask for the reasons for the refusal.
The Medal of Childhood and Families is awarded once a year.
You receive a diploma containing the extract of allocation order (prefectural or ministerial order). To this end, an official ceremony may be organized by the prefecture, the town hall or the Departmental Union of Family Associations (Udaf).
The medal can be offered to you at the ceremony, but it is not mandatory. In case you need to buy it, you can get closer to private manufacturers.
After graduation, you have the right to wear your insignia and the Child and Family Medal in public.
No, the award of the medal for children and families is purely honorary.
Yes, the child and family medal can be removed from you if you are in one of the following :
- Loss of the exercise of a parent's rights and duties vis-à-vis a child (loss of parental authority)
- Conviction for one crime or a offense
- Recognized and urgent demerit (loss of a right due to misconduct, child abuse).
The request for suspension or withdrawal of the Children and Families Medal is made by the person who nominated you.
The person who withdraws the medal varies depending on whether you are part of the general case or the persons concerned by the derogation:
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General case
The decision to suspend or withdraw shall be taken by the prefect.
FYI
You must be able to present explanations and defenses to the prefect except if the proposed withdrawal is motivated by a measure of total withdrawal of parental authority or for a conviction for a crime or misdemeanor.
The suspension or withdrawal is the subject of a prefectural decree. The prefect informs the town hall of your home.
Persons concerned by the derogation
The proposal to suspend or withdraw the right to wear the child and family medal is made by the person who nominated you.
The decision to withdraw shall be taken by the minister for the family.
FYI
You must be able to present explanations and defenses to the Minister in charge of the family except if the proposed withdrawal is motivated by a conviction for a crime or misdemeanor.
The withdrawal is subject to an order of the Minister in charge of the family.
The decision to withdraw or suspend shall be notified to you and to the Prefect.
Abroad
Persons of French nationality residing abroad or foreign persons residing abroad but whose children are French may obtain the Medal of Childhood and Family.
The following individuals may receive the Child and Family Medal:
- Person raising or having raised at least 4 children of French nationality
- A person who has rendered exceptional services in the family field.
The request for the medal of childhood and families can be made by yourself.
However, the request may also be made on proposal of the consular authority or a french family association having its seat in the consular district of your domicile.
Please note
The person being proposed must sign a declaration of acceptance.
Applications or proposals for the award of the Children's and Families Medal must be forwarded to the division of cabinets to ministers responsible for social affairs.
Who shall I contact
The documents to be provided vary depending on whether the application for the Children's and Families Medal is filed by yourself, by the consular authority or by a french family association :
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By yourself
You must provide the following documents :
- Form cerfa no. 15319, of which only pages 1 to 4 are to be filled in
- All documents of civil act (full copy or extract birth certificate, marriage, death, filiation...) to establish that you meet the conditions for awarding the medal
- Copy of the valid French identity card or French passport of the children
- School certificates for all school-aged children
- In the case of divorce or separation, extract from the decision which issued it and any other judicial decision relating to parental authority
- Any documents proving that you have not been convicted in the country in which you are domiciled
- Copy of bulletin n°3 your criminal record (if you are French).
Please note
All documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by their translation into french provided by a sworn translator This act shall be, unless otherwise provided, legalized or apostilled.
After receiving your file, the Minister in charge of the family may request, in addition to the documents you have already provided, the following documents:
- Copy of bulletin n°2 criminal record for you at the national criminal record service
- Copy of bulletin n°2 criminal record for your spouse, partner of Civil partnerships: titleContent or cohabiting partner in the national criminal record office, if your file reveals doubts about his behavior
- Seek a reasoned opinion from the consular authority on your application.
By the consular authority
You must provide the following documents :
- Form cerfa no. 15319, of which only pages 1 to 4 are to be filled in
- All documents of civil act (full copy or extract birth certificate, marriage, death, filiation...) to establish that you meet the conditions for awarding the medal
- Copy of the valid French identity card or French passport of the children
- School certificates for all school-aged children
- In the case of divorce or separation, extract from the decision which issued it and any other judicial decision relating to parental authority
- Any documents proving that you have not been convicted in the country in which you are domiciled
- Copy of bulletin n°3 your criminal record (if you are French).
Please note
All documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by their translation into french provided by a sworn translator This act shall be, unless otherwise provided, legalized or apostilled.
The consular authority shall affix reasoned opinion on your application, on the basis of certificates from qualified persons or groups and relating to the merits of the family.
By a French family association
You must provide the following documents :
- Form cerfa no. 15319, of which only pages 1 to 4 are to be filled in
- All documents of civil act (full copy or extract birth certificate, marriage, death, filiation...) to establish that you meet the conditions for awarding the medal
- Copy of the valid French identity card or French passport of the children
- School certificates for all school-aged children
- In the case of divorce or separation, extract from the decision which issued it and any other judicial decision relating to parental authority
- Any documents proving that you have not been convicted in the country in which you are domiciled
- Copy of bulletin n°3 your criminal record (if you are French).
Please note
All documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by their translation into french provided by a sworn translator This act shall be, unless otherwise provided, legalized or apostilled.
After receiving your file, the Minister in charge of the family may request, in addition to the documents you have already provided, the following documents:
- Copy of bulletin n°2 criminal record for you at the national criminal record service
- Copy of bulletin n°2 criminal record for your spouse, partner of Civil partnerships: titleContent or cohabiting partner in the national criminal record office, if your file reveals doubts about his behavior
- Seek a reasoned opinion from the consular authority on your application.
The Children and Families Medal is awarded by decree signed by the minister in charge of the familypublished in the Official Bulletin of Decorations, Medals and Awards of the Republic.
The medal and diploma are sent to the consular service, which then gives them to you.
The award of the medal of childhood and families is purely honorary.
Yes, the child and family medal can be removed from you if you are in one of the following :
- Loss of the exercise of a parent's rights and duties vis-à-vis a child (loss of parental authority)
- Conviction for one crime or a offense
- Recognized and urgent demerit (loss of a right due to misconduct, child abuse).
Proposals to suspend or withdraw the right to wear the child and family medal are submitted by the consular authority or the french family association having its seat in the consular district of your domicile.
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Suspension of the right to wear the Child and Family Medal
The suspension of the right to wear the medal shall be subject to a decision of the minister responsible for the family.
By way of derogation, the consular authority may suspend the right to wear the medal.
The consular authority must, as soon as possible, refer the matter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and send him a copy of its decision, which he shall immediately forward to the Minister for the Family.
FYI
The suspension decision is communicated to you through the consular authority.
Withdrawal of the right to wear the Child and Family Medal
You must be able to present explanations and defenses to the consular authority except if the proposed withdrawal is motivated by a measure of total withdrawal of parental authority or for a conviction for a crime or misdemeanor.
The withdrawal shall be pronounced by order of the minister in charge of the family.
FYI
The decision to withdraw shall be communicated to you through the consular authority.
Medal of the family
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