France adopts child protection reforms with mandatory lawyer aid and tougher sexual‑crime penalties

France's Parliament passed a law on 1 July 2026 that guarantees every child placed under educational or protective measures the right to a lawyer, regardless of discernment. The judge must appoint a counsel at the start of the procedure, the child may choose their lawyer, and the state will fully cover legal costs. The measure takes effect on 6 January 2027.

A corrective amendment presented on the same day shortens the maximum time allowed for investigations of sexual crimes against minors to three months and introduces life imprisonment for serial rapists of children under 15. It also ends automatic early releases for sexual offenders, tightens honor‑ability checks for adults working with children, and requires parents to be informed about caregivers in after‑school settings. The revised bill will be examined by the National Assembly from 15 July 2026.