The committee's mandate was both to evaluate the current situation of young people in France and to suggest ways of overhauling existing practices and boosting vocational and social integration among young people. The increase in the amount of time spent in education, as well as unemployment problems and difficulties in finding a first job have resulted in a diversified and extended youth. Schools and families are now facing new pressures, with families especially facing financial problems. In an attempt to address these pressures, public authorities have implemented a whole series of measures - in particular to tackle unemployment and stamp out youth violence and delinquency. The goals of integration, prevention and mediation have relegated the education aspect to a secondary position.
Young people are even more directly affected by economic and social changes than adults.
This fund, which extends beyond the current average education period, would provide all young people, irrespective of background, with a minimum amount of life-long training. It is designed for basic youth training but could be also used at other stages in a person's life, supplemented by additional rights acquired through periods of work. The initial state endowment and subsequent top-ups would be paid into an individual account. This life-long education and training fund most specifically targets young people. Those in full-time education would be eligible for an allowance at least equivalent to current higher education grants.