ikäarvio

Ikarvio is a Finnish term that translates to "age assessment" or "age estimation" in English. It refers to the process of determining the age of an individual, particularly when their exact age is unknown or in dispute. This practice is most commonly encountered in legal and immigration contexts, especially when dealing with individuals who lack official documentation of their birthdate.

Various methods can be employed for ikäarvio, depending on the individual's age and the available resources. These can include dental examinations, where the development and eruption of teeth are assessed, as well as skeletal development studies, which analyze the fusion of bones. These biological indicators are compared against established developmental charts to estimate an age range.

In some cases, psychological and social assessments may also contribute to an ikäarvio, considering factors such as cognitive development, social maturity, and life experiences. However, biological methods are generally considered more objective and are therefore often prioritized.

The results of an ikäarvio are typically presented as an age range rather than a precise age, acknowledging the inherent uncertainty in such estimations. The accuracy of the assessment can vary depending on the methods used, the age of the individual, and the expertise of the professionals conducting the evaluation. It is important to note that ikäarvio is a complex process with limitations, and its findings are often used as one piece of evidence among others in decision-making.