Last July 9, the Family Rights and Duties Council presented its activities along with its report. Marie-Pierre Lazard, a municipal councilor, reiterated the goal: to support families of minors struggling with school dropout and social and personal difficulties.
On Wednesday, July 9, the Family Rights and Duties Council (CDDF) reviewed its activities over recent months. In the Municipal Council Hall of the Nice Town Hall, Marie-Pierre Lazard, municipal councilor sub-delegated to the CDDF, spoke to parents and children. She reiterated the action taken to support young people in educational and social terms and the various obligations involved, without forgetting to discuss the issues that must be addressed. An afternoon dedicated to child protection.
The CDDF’s Action
The Family Rights and Duties Council is fully committed to both delinquency prevention and parental support. The aim is to assist young minors (and their families) who are facing academic difficulties, especially dropping out. As a reminder, after just four half-day absences, a threshold letter is sent to the parents.
There are also other issues that go beyond the school environment. While there is an intent to combat social and educational problems in general, the CDDF’s action also addresses potential addictions. The fight against screen time is a crucial point.
Both individual and collective meetings are organized to offer families a framework for listening and dialogue. Accompanying measures are also taken, tailored to each specific case. The objective is for children to restore their school attendance. In this meeting on July 9, the initial topic was a reminder for families.
A Reminder of Obligations
Marie-Pierre Lazard began by reminding parents of their obligations. “They must ensure that their children are enrolled in school and that they attend school regularly,” she declared, while reminding them of the possibility of being fined and sentenced to jail.
Children are not exempt from obligations either. They must primarily show respect and honor towards their parents. The municipal councilor also reminded that in the event of leaving school at sixteen, “there is a requirement for training until eighteen.” Prevention is better than remediation.
“We also explain to young people that skipping school is not an option. It doesn’t work that way,” Marie-Pierre Lazard explained.
A Real Help for Children and Parents
“It’s a boost for the children. It has really helped us, especially with their studies. It all started when my children encountered difficulties at school. We were summoned, then followed up. I truly thank the CDDF members; I can say they really helped the children. I recommend this service to anyone in need and also to mothers facing difficulties,” expressed a father, in the presence of his children.
“We welcome the families, and we reach out to them with all the representatives,” said Marie-Pierre Lazard. The operating principle revolves first around trust, in order to establish necessary needs.
A Successful Report
Over the past three years, “the results are excellent,” celebrated Marie-Pierre Lazard. “We have a 77% success rate among children facing classroom and personal difficulties.” In total, 238 families have been supported. This is the outcome of a partnership between many stakeholders: national education, prosecutors, associations, city services, and social workers.
For the municipal councilor sub-delegated to the CDDF, the goal is for this action to inspire other communities. “We hope it will inspire others, yes. Because we already go further than the law. With the collective CDDF, we welcome numerous families.”
After a calm meeting, Marie-Pierre Lazard concluded her presentation with questions addressed to the children. “Are you happy to be on vacation, kids?”, “Are you ready to work well in the coming school year?” Simple words, to ease the attendees in a full hall, but also to demonstrate the CDDF’s commitment. Because what is at stake is the good schooling of the children, and by extension, their future.
