perhetyön

Perhetyö, a Finnish term translating roughly to “family work,” is a form of social services aimed at supporting families with children. In Finland, perhetyö is typically provided within municipal social services and child welfare systems. It is conducted by perhetyöntekijä, a family worker, often as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Activities include home visits, parenting support, counseling, and practical assistance to manage daily life. The approach is family-centered, strengths-based, and aims to empower families to solve problems and maintain safe, stable home environments. Services may address parenting skills, mental health, substance use, poverty, housing, and school cooperation.

Goals include preventing escalation to formal child protection interventions, supporting children's safety and well-being, promoting positive parent–child relationships, and facilitating access to education, healthcare, and social services. Outreach is often voluntary but can become part of child protection plans if concerns arise.

Organization and practice: Perhetyö is delivered by trained social services professionals within municipal or regional authorities in Finland. Methods emphasize collaboration with families, respect for children’s best interests, confidentiality, and culturally sensitive practice. Documentation, risk assessment, and safeguarding are part of routine practice.

Relationship to other services: Perhetyö collaborates with schools, pediatric care, early childhood education, and housing services, coordinating care plans and referrals. It is related to the broader field of child welfare and family support.