FRANCE

In 2025, the economic and social situation in France took a very heavy toll on the most vulnerable families. GDP growth was very weak, coming in at +0.9 %, held back by weaker-than-expected foreign trade. Unemployment began to rise again, reaching 7.9% of the labor force in Q4 2025. Those aged 15–24 were the hardest hit, with an unemployment rate of 21.5%.

The emergency housing sector, which is under structural strain, has reached critical breaking points. With a record-high 2.7 million pending applications for public housing nationwide, the system has come to a complete standstill. Due to a lack of pathways to permanent, sustainable housing, beds in emergency shelters (such as social hotels) remain occupied for much longer periods. This lack of turnover is leading to an unprecedented crisis of overcrowding: every night, thousands of people—a significant number of whom are children—are left without a place to stay despite calling 115.

In the Île-de-France region, the situation is particularly alarming, with a non-response rate that regularly exceeds 50 % for requests from families. This precarious situation seriously affects children’s development, their educational progress, and their mental health.

Parent, what a story! :
No to Parental Burnout