[The double system of child protection: a French original]

France has a double system of child welfare as decreed by the law of July 1989. Social welfare is under the responsibility of the Regional Council (social services, early childhood health services, and child protection services). These type of services require the family's collaboration with respect to the proposals concerning child protection: financial aid, family counseling, and placement. In case of severe danger, or if it is impossible to obtain the family's collaboration, the child's judge can order family counseling or placement. None of these measures modifies parental authority. A child in danger and the child's best interest are the two fundamental concepts which ought to guide social welfare and children's court workers in choosing the best possible protection measure.