hoitosuojeluun

Hoitosuojeluun, often translated as "care protection" or "custody protection" in English, refers to measures taken to safeguard a child's well-being when their parents are unable to provide adequate care or protection. This is a legal and social concept primarily found in Finnish law, designed to intervene in situations where a child's health, development, or safety is at serious risk due to neglect, abuse, or the parent's inability to cope.

The primary goal of hoitosuojeluun is to ensure the child's best interests are met. Interventions can range from providing support services to the family, such as home visits, counseling, or practical assistance, to more restrictive measures. If the risks to the child are significant and cannot be mitigated through voluntary support, the child welfare authorities may decide to place the child in out-of-home care. This could involve placement with relatives, foster families, or in residential care facilities.

The process typically involves an investigation by child protection services, which assesses the family situation and the child's needs. Parents are usually involved in this process and have the right to express their views. Decisions regarding hoitosuojeluun are made by child welfare authorities, and in more serious cases, court orders may be required, especially for compulsory placement. The aim is always to return the child to their family if and when the circumstances improve and it is deemed safe and appropriate for the child.