France lets public workers take on foster care on the side
France has published a decree allowing public employees to also work as foster carers, but only for a single minor or young adult under twenty-one and only with their employer's prior approval. It also lets assistants maternels and assistants familiaux working for public bodies take on another activity under the normal public-sector cumul rules. The decree was signed on 28 October 2026 and published on 30 October 2026, and it takes effect the day after publication. It aims to ease a shortage of foster carers.
What does it mean?
Civil servants in France can now have a second job as a foster carer, but only if they look after just one child or young adult under twenty-one and their employer agrees beforehand. Foster carers already working for public bodies can also take on another job under the usual rules for combining public work with other activities. The change is meant to help fill the shortage of foster carers.
Who is affected?
Public employees in France who want to become foster carers, and foster carers employed by public bodies.