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
Composition and procedure vary by municipality but generally include members with expertise in child welfare, such
Relationship to other bodies can differ: in many municipalities, lastensuojelulautakunta functions within the broader social services