Home

lastensuojelulaitos

Lastensuojelulaitos, or a child protection institution, is a residential care facility that provides care and upbringing for children and young people who cannot be safely cared for at home under Finnish child welfare law. The institutions operate under the Lastensuojelulaki (Child Welfare Act) and related regulations. They may be owned and run by municipalities or joint municipal authorities, or by private providers with a license to offer child protection services.

The main purpose is to safeguard the best interests of the child, ensure safety, and support development

Typical services provided include 24/7 living arrangements, daily care, schooling support, health care, and access to

Placement decisions are made by the competent municipal authority based on assessment of the child’s situation,

and
well-being.
The
length
of
stay
varies,
from
short-term
crisis
placement
to
longer
stays
for
treatment,
rehabilitation,
or
support
when
returning
to
the
family
is
not
possible
or
appropriate.
Institutions
strive
to
use
family-based
alternatives
when
feasible,
but
residential
care
is
used
when
required
to
provide
stable
and
safe
support.
mental
health
and
social
work
services.
Individual
care
plans
guide
education,
therapy,
and
development
activities,
with
attention
to
the
child’s
rights,
participation,
and
safety.
Staff
aim
to
create
predictable
routines,
skilled
supervision,
and
a
therapeutic
environment
suited
to
each
child’s
needs.
and
the
child
and
guardians
are
consulted
where
appropriate.
Placements
are
regularly
reviewed.
Institutions
are
subject
to
national
legislation
and
state
supervision
to
ensure
quality,
safety,
and
compliance.