Tukitoiminnassa

Tukitoiminnassa refers to a set of support activities designed to help individuals cope with everyday life, participate in work or study, and avoid social exclusion. The concept is used in Finnish social and welfare contexts to describe services and interventions that support participation, functioning, and independence. Tukitoiminta is typically implemented by municipalities and other service providers within the broader framework of social, health, and educational services.

The aim of tukitoiminta is to promote inclusion and equal opportunities by addressing practical, emotional, and functional needs. It emphasizes a person-centered approach, where a needs assessment leads to an individual plan that specifies goals, actions, and follow-up. The focus is on strengthening skills, supporting daily life management, and enabling meaningful participation in work, education, housing, and community life.

Typical forms of tukitoiminta include individual guidance and counseling, coaching or mentoring, social and functional rehabilitation, supported housing or day activities, training and work-related supports, and group or peer-supported activities. Services may also cover practical help at home, digital support tools, and coordination with other sectors such as education, employment services, and health care to ensure a coherent support pathway for the client.

Target groups for tukitoiminta are diverse and include individuals and families facing challenges that threaten participation, such as youth transitioning to adulthood, people with disabilities, families in need of support, and long-term unemployed individuals. The provision is generally organized through local authorities in collaboration with third-sector organizations, with funding drawn from municipal budgets and state or regional subsidies. Evaluation typically revolves around client feedback, goal attainment, and service-wide indicators of participation and functioning.