lastensuojelulautakunta

Lastensuojelulautakunta, or the child protection board, is a municipal decision-making body in Finland responsible for matters within the child welfare system. Its core task is to safeguard the safety, well-being, and development of children who require protection or support, by assessing cases reported by the municipal social services and deciding on appropriate measures in line with the Child Welfare Act and related legislation. The board focuses on situations where family-based support or protective interventions are necessary to secure the child’s best interests.

The board’s decisions cover a range of measures, such as providing family support services, arranging foster care or other forms of placement outside the home, and establishing supervision or follow-up arrangements. The aim is to act in the best interests of the child, while involving the child and family as appropriate within legal limits. Decisions by the board are subject to appeal to the Administrative Court.

Composition and procedure vary by municipality but generally include members with expertise in child welfare, such as social workers and other professionals, and may include elected representatives. The board operates according to statutory procedures, conducts hearings as needed, and upholds confidentiality and due process.

Relationship to other bodies can differ: in many municipalities, lastensuojelulautakunta functions within the broader social services framework and may be integrated into the sosiaali- ja terveyslautakunta or another municipal body. The exact form and naming reflect local administrative arrangements, but the core function remains the same: making decisions that promote the safety and best interests of children in need of protection.