lastensuojelun

Lastensuojelu refers to the Finnish system of services designed to safeguard the safety, well-being, and healthy development of children and adolescents when families face difficulties. The central principle is the best interests of the child. The system operates primarily through municipal social services, under national legislation known as the Child Welfare Act (lastensuojelulaki). It covers preventive support, family services, and out-of-home care when necessary.

The organization of lastensuojelu rests with municipalities, which provide social services and appoint social workers who assess needs, plan measures, and coordinate support for families and children. The process follows statutory procedures, and professionals collaborate with guardians and, when needed, child protection teams. Emphasis is placed on early intervention and on maintaining the child’s connections to their family and community whenever possible.

Referrals to lastensuojelu can come from schools, health services, authorities, or family members themselves. An initial assessment (tarpeen selvitys) determines whether further measures are required and what form they should take. Measures can include intensified family support and in-home services, as well as temporary or permanent placements outside the home (sijaishuolto), such as foster care or institutional care. Decisions are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain appropriate to the child’s needs.

Children have the right to be heard and to participate in decisions about their situation. Decisions can be appealed in administrative courts, and the system is designed to coordinate with other services, including health care, education, and child welfare networks. The overarching aim of lastensuojelu is to safeguard the child’s safety and development while supporting families to stay together whenever feasible.