tukiperhe

A tukiperhe is a family that provides a stable, supportive home for a child or young person who cannot live with their own family on a full-time basis. Tukiperhetoiminta is organized by municipal social services as part of child welfare and can be used to support a child during family crises, to ease transitions, or to complement formal foster care or guardianship arrangements. The aim is to offer a predictable and caring environment while maintaining the child’s connections to their birth family and local community.

Tukiperheet are recruited and trained by social services. Prospective families undergo assessments, background checks, and home visits to ensure suitability. They receive supervision, guidance, and ongoing support from social workers. Financial compensation and practical support are provided to cover the costs of hosting a child, along with access to other services as needed.

The duties of a tukiperhe include providing a safe living space, daily care, supervision, meals, schooling support, and emotional and social development support. They work in coordination with the child’s guardians and the social services team to follow an individualized plan that suits the child’s needs and aims for stability and well-being.

Eligibility and duration vary by municipality, but participation requires a commitment to a child’s welfare, ongoing collaboration with professionals, and adherence to agreed guidelines and legal requirements. Tukiperhe arrangements are designed to be flexible, short-term or longer-term, and to complement the broader child welfare system.