huostaanottopäätös

A huostaanottopäätös is a legal decision in Finland that removes a child from the care of their parents or guardians and places them in the custody of the child welfare services. This decision is made by a municipal social welfare board, often referred to as the social committee. The primary basis for a huostaanottopäätös is a child's need for care due to significant deficiencies in their upbringing, environment, or the care provided by their guardians. These deficiencies must pose a serious threat to the child's health or development.

The process leading to a huostaanottopäätös typically involves an investigation by child welfare authorities. This investigation assesses the child's situation, including their well-being, the parents' capacity to provide care, and the overall family environment. The child's own wishes and opinions are taken into account, proportionate to their age and maturity. If the social welfare board determines that a child is in need of care and that this need cannot be met through voluntary child welfare services, they can issue a huostaanottopäätös.

Once a child is taken into care, the child welfare services are responsible for their well-being and upbringing. This can involve placing the child with foster families, in institutional care, or with relatives. The goal of child welfare services is to provide a safe and supportive environment that promotes the child's healthy development. While the decision is primarily focused on the child's needs, the rights of the parents are also considered, and efforts are often made to support the family in order to facilitate the child's eventual return home, if deemed appropriate and safe for the child. A huostaanottopäätös can be appealed in court.