1. État, peuple, Authorities » 17. Authorities » 170. General Provisions

This law defines the objectives of the State's family policy and the framework within which it may intervene.

For the purposes of this law, families are considered to be married couples and communities comprising related or allied individuals from multiple generations living together as a household.

1 The measures provided by the present law primarily concern families composed of adult(s) and child(ren).

2 They promote the quality of relationships among family members and the flourishing of the family community within society.

1 The State respects the autonomy of the family and the plurality of forms of family life.

2 It intervenes only if other public and private entities do not; if necessary, it acts as a coordinator.

1 In its capacity as an employer, the State adapts the working conditions to the requirements of family life.

2 Within this framework, it encourages the creation of part-time jobs, professional reintegration, and continuous training.

The State improves the relations between the world of work and the family; it contributes, within the limits of its competences, to the arrangement of working conditions and hours that take into account the demands of family life.

The State encourages social partners to establish employment contracts that take into account the objectives set forth in Articles 5 and 6.

1 When planning areas, public authorities take into account the requirements of family life.

2 They design spaces in a way that allows for the development of children and social relationships.

1 The State Encourages the Construction of Family Housing.

2 In the regulations concerning constructions, the State and the municipalities consider the needs of families; they promote, for example, grouped housing and the development of family accommodations.

1 Roads and pathways must be designed or adapted to meet the needs of families, particularly by calming traffic in residential areas and near schools.

2 The State promotes the construction of bicycle paths.

1 The State supports public and private institutions whose primary purpose is to advise and inform parents and children; it may encourage the establishment of such institutions.

2 If necessary, it itself organizes training, information, and counseling for parents.

3 It establishes regional consultation centers on sexual education and pregnancy, as well as marital and family counseling offices; these services are free and respect everyone's beliefs.

1 The State combats domestic and family violence in all its forms, particularly physical, sexual, and psychological violence.

2 The State ensures that victims of domestic and family violence can receive support, information, and assistance from the various competent organizations.

1 The State strengthens the solidarity between the school and the family with the aim of educating and instructing the children.

2 Teachers involve parents in their children's schoolwork and guidance; the school convenes a meeting with students' parents at least once a year.

3 Sexual education is part of the school curriculum.

4 The State ensures the harmonization of school holidays.

5 The State promotes extracurricular activities for the youth.

The State and other public authorities promote the integration of disabled individuals into regular educational and vocational training institutions and adapt these institutions accordingly.

The State encourages and supports the professional training, reintegration, and retraining of individuals who assume family responsibilities.

**The State implements a scholarship policy by considering the family's financial burden and the training costs at the place of residence and abroad.**

1 The State generalizes family allowances, which also include the birth allowance and the reception allowance.

2 The State expands the circle of beneficiaries in agreement with social partners; it extends these benefits to persons who do not engage in gainful employment.

3 Allowances are regularly indexed.

4 The State promotes the retention of elderly, dependent, or disabled individuals in their usual environment and supports those who provide them with constant care.

1 The State enhances the protection of maternity.

2 It grants maternity leave as well as adoption leave and promotes their provision.

3 The principle of parental leave is recognized.

4 The State regulates compulsory maternity insurance.

5 It encourages the establishment of regional and local family assistance services and provides them with financial support.

1 For tax purposes, the State better accounts for family responsibilities.

2 It grants appropriate deductions to all taxpayers with dependent children.

3 It relieves the double earnings realized by married taxpayers with dependent children.

1. As part of the prevention of accidents and illnesses and to promote a healthy lifestyle, the State encourages the primary educational role played by the family.

2. It may disseminate information and advice intended for families.

1 The State establishes a Family Council responsible for developing family policy, notably by implementing the provisions of this law.

2 The Family Council is also an advisory body to the Government.

1 The Family Council provides its opinion on all matters concerning family policy.

2 It conducts its own studies, develops projects, and submits them to the Government.

3 It disseminates information related to the family.

1 The Family Council comprises nine members, including at least six representatives from groups and circles committed to the cause of the family, as well as two representatives from the cantonal administration.

2 The Government appoints the members of the Council and designates the president.

1 The Family Council organizes itself.

2 The Government provides a secretariat for the Council.

3 The Council may invite third parties as experts or advisors.

4 It has its own budget, which it manages independently.

The Family Council adopts a regulation subject to the approval of the Government.

This law is subject to an optional referendum.

The Government establishes the entry into force of this law.