Perhekäynti

Perhekäynti, often translated as family visit or family time, refers to the practice of allowing children in out-of-home care to spend time with their biological family members. This practice is a crucial component of child welfare services aimed at maintaining or strengthening the child's connection to their family. The specific arrangements for perhekäynti can vary widely depending on the child's age, their specific needs, the reasons for their placement in care, and the safety of the family environment.

These visits can take place in various settings, including the child's foster home, the biological family's home, or a neutral, supervised location such as a family center. The frequency and duration of perhekäynti are typically determined by a case plan developed by social workers in collaboration with the child, the foster family, and the biological family. The primary goal is to support the child's well-being and, where appropriate, to facilitate reunification with their biological parents.

Perhekäynti serves multiple purposes. For the child, it provides emotional support, continuity, and a sense of belonging. It allows them to maintain important relationships and reduces the trauma associated with separation. For parents, it offers an opportunity to stay involved in their child's life, demonstrate their capacity to care for the child, and work towards reunification goals. For foster parents, it can provide valuable insight into the child's family dynamics and aid in supporting the child's emotional needs. The effectiveness of perhekäynti relies on careful planning, adequate supervision when necessary, and a focus on the child's best interests.