Lastetarve

Lastetarve is a term used in the Estonian language to denote the needs of children. It is composed of laste, the genitive form used in compound nouns meaning "of children," and tarve, meaning need or requirement. In social policy and public debate, lastetarve describes the set of requirements considered essential for a child's welfare and development.

The concept covers material and non-material dimensions, including adequate nutrition, healthcare, safe housing, access to education and learning opportunities, protection from abuse or neglect, and psychosocial support. It also encompasses access to information, digital services, and participation in cultural, recreational, and community life.

In policymaking, lastetarve informs budgeting, program design, and evaluation for child welfare and family policy. Analysts compare current provision against baseline standards or international benchmarks for children's rights to identify gaps and guide reforms. The term emphasizes that children have distinct requirements that may differ from those of adults.

Related terms in Estonian include laste heaolu (child well-being) and laste kaitse (child protection). The idea parallels international frameworks on children's rights, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, though the exact usage and emphasis vary by national context.