Résuméby Lucienne TalloenAssistant Adviser, Prime Minister's Office, Research Assistant at the Institute of Sociology (Belgium)A political organisation of the family as such and in relation to Government was rendered necessary by (a) the uncertain position of the family regarding a technical and social evolution implying a steadily more comprehensive intervention of the State in every aspect of life, and (b) an alarmingly rapid decrease of the birth rate.This meant that the persons responsible for a « familial policy » were expected, not only to encourage an increase of the birth rate, but to study every aspect of family life.It should be noted that all efforts made in Belgium were inspired by the French example.The first organisation was an Auxiliary Service for Families («Service d'Aide aux Familles») established in March, 1949. Its role was confined to supplying trained persons to help families, especially in housekeeping. It comprised training centres for such persons.In May, 1949, however, a further step was made, when appropriations were confirmed for courses, lectures and workshops on the improvement of family life. These were supervised by the Government. In December, 1950, appropriations were passed for the encouragement of the auxiliary service, and Government supervision was organised. The training centres, on the other hand, were given their official statute in October, 1950.It was only in November 1951, however, that all activities were centralised by the establishment of the « Direction de la Famille ». This body is primarily responsible for the administrative work implied by the distribution of Government funds to the various organisations. In addition, it is the secretariat of the « Conseil supérieur de la Famille » and prepares all relevant studies and surveys for the « Comité interministériel de la Famille ».The former, attached to the Ministry of Public Health, was established in November, 1946 and is the representative of families to the Government. Its activity is mainly of a consulting nature. The inter-ministerial Committee, established in January, 1953, is responsible for co-ordinating all activities pertaining to familial policy and comprises the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Public Health and two other Ministers to be designated by the Premier.