In a speech to the National Assembly on April 30, 2024, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal introduced a new measure called “educational interest works” for minors under the age of 16. This measure aims to be a form of education and was detailed in a circular sent to prosecutors by the Minister of Justice, Eric Dupond-Moretti. Originally presented as a disciplinary sanction in January, this measure is intended to be an educational response to minor offenses such as theft or minor damage, with the goal of preventing further delinquency.
The creation of “educational interest works” came as a surprise to many in the judicial field, as it was initially announced as a new form of punishment by Gabriel Attal. The measure was expected to be included in a new law in the first half of 2024 and further refined at that time. However, it has been integrated into existing legal frameworks, specifically those related to civic education and citizenship training programs. The aim of this measure is to provide a first level of penal response for first-time offenders and to prevent long-term involvement in criminal activities.
This measure is targeted at minors aged 13 to 16 who have committed their first offense, such as theft or minor damage. It involves the participation of police officers, youth protection educators, and local authorities, and is intended to serve as an additional tool to prevent further involvement in criminal behavior. The program consists of three parts: a reparative activity related to the offense, a reflection on living together, and an educational component planned with the minor’s school. Legal representatives of the adolescent must be involved at all stages of the process, and the juvenile justice system will be responsible for evaluating the program annually in collaboration with the courts.
The measure of “educational interest works” is designed to help minors, often unknown to the justice system, understand the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for them. The goal is to provide a constructive response to first-time offenses and prevent further criminal behavior. The involvement of legal representatives at every stage of the program, along with ongoing evaluation by youth protection services, ensures that the measure is effective in addressing juvenile delinquency and promoting a sense of accountability among young offenders.
