Välikäsenä

Välikäsenä is a Finnish term that translates roughly to "interim custody" or "temporary guardianship." It refers to a situation where a child is placed under the care of someone other than their biological parents for a limited period. This arrangement is typically implemented by social services or a court when the parents are deemed unable to provide adequate care for the child, either due to illness, addiction, legal issues, or other circumstances.

The primary purpose of välikäsenä is to ensure the child's safety and well-being. During this period, the child resides with a relative, a foster family, or in a specialized care facility. The duration of välikäsenä can vary significantly, from a few weeks to several months or even longer, depending on the specific case and the efforts made to resolve the issues that led to the child's removal from the parental home.

Throughout the välikäsenä period, social workers and other professionals closely monitor the child's situation and work with the biological parents to address the underlying problems. The ultimate goal is often reunification, where the child is returned to their parents once it is deemed safe and appropriate. However, if reunification is not possible, other long-term solutions, such as adoption or permanent guardianship, may be pursued. The legal framework surrounding välikäsenä prioritizes the best interests of the child.