Kasvupolkujen

Kasvupolkujen is a Finnish term formed as the genitive plural of kasvupolku, meaning "growth path" or "development track." In public administration and social services, kasvupolut refer to individualized plans designed to support a person’s developmental journey from education through work and social participation. They are typically created for children, youths, and adults who need coordinated support across sectors.

A kasvupolku is built through early assessment, goal setting, and regular reviews. It emphasizes cross-sector cooperation among education, social services, health care, and employment services, as well as involvement of a family or caregiver. The plan outlines concrete milestones, resources, and timeframes, and it is revisited and adjusted as the person’s needs change. Data protection and informed consent are central because the plan may involve sensitive information.

Common contexts include special educational needs, child welfare or safeguarding cases, youth at risk of exclusion from school, disability or rehabilitation services, and programs supporting immigrant integration or vocational training. Local authorities and service providers often lead the process, with input from teachers, social workers, health professionals, guardians, and the person themselves.

Critics point to potential administrative burden, uneven implementation, and the risk of stigmatizing individuals as failing to progress. Proponents argue that well-executed kasvupolut can improve coordination, transparency, and outcomes by aligning services with a person’s long-term development.

Related concepts include individualized education plans (IEPs), transition planning, and case management in social and educational services.