The MSAH is responsible for family policy as well as maintaining
and developing the welfare of children, youth and families jointly
with other ministries.
The MSAH's scope of responsibility is particularly concerned with
developing social and health services and safeguarding incomes for
families with children.
The ministry also promotes the reconciliation of work and family
life.
Services and benefits for
families
Financial assistance for families with children
Reconciling work and family life
Developing child and youth services
The development of family services is part of the National
Development Programme for Social Welfare and Health Care (Kaste)
The Ombudsman for Children supervises the implementation of
children's rights
Children's are enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the
Child. Finland ratified the Convention in 1991. The agreement binds
the state, municipalities, parents and other adults to the
implementation of children's rights in various fields.
In Finland the Ombudsman for Children oversees the implementation
of the convention.
Ombudsman
for Children
Development work by MSAH advisory boards
The
Advisory Board for Early Childhood Learning and
Care is responsible for promoting the broad based
development of care and early learning for young children.
The
Advisory Board on the Health and Welfare of
Children monitors and guides developments related to child
and youth health and welfare and related services.
Further information on child welfare
Information on Child Welfare
Mannerheim League for Child Welfare
Save the Children Finland