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Although decentralization has led to positive developments for the French Child Protection Service, this public policy remains weak. It is struggling to meet the requirements of the law while addressing local-level challenges. For the sake of real progress, a decision must be made to take a genuine interest in how the Child Protection Service is set up and run within the French départements. The vast majority of organizations and operating methods are not designed to enable these services to effectively fulfill their purpose. The never-ending process of reorganizing social services in the communities is doing a poor job of preserving and consolidating the expertise and steering capacity needed by the Child Protection Service. A revised conception of professions and methods would make it possible to reconcile the consideration of territorial realities and the requirements of a state-led policy.