Child Strategy safeguards the rights of the child
The Child Strategy is Finland’s national long-term plan for strengthening the wellbeing and rights of children, young people and families with children. You can read more about it on the Child Strategy website.
Child Strategy is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Child Strategy is based on research and on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was ratified by Finland in 1991.
The implementation of the Convention is monitored by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which has recommended that Finland draw up a comprehensive policy and plan to fully implement the Convention. The Child Strategy and its implementation plan have been prepared with this need in mind. The Child Strategy supports the implementation of the Convention and ensures that Finnish legislation is in full compliance with the rights of the child defined in the Convention.
What are the objectives of the Child Strategy?
The three key objectives of the Child Strategy, which was adopted in 2021, are as follows:
- creating a child- and family-friendly Finland
- mainstreaming the rights of the child into all activities and
- supporting vulnerable children.
The strategy aims to reduce inequality, improve equality, support children in their everyday lives and support their inclusion, and create permanent structures for monitoring the wellbeing of children.
How will the strategy be implemented?
The implementation process is divided into two levels: a permanent strategy prepared in a parliamentary process, and implementation plans drawn up for each government term. Since 2023, the strategy’s implementation has been coordinated by a permanent child strategy group. The current implementation plan covers the years 2024–2027 and includes 34 measures to strengthen the rights of children and young people.
- Implementation plan for the National Child Strategy: Government Resolution STM/2024/64 (in Finnish)
- National Child Strategy: Committee report (Publications of the Finnish Government 2021:8)
Further information
Laura Kuusio, Senior Specialist
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Communities and Functional Capacity / YTO, Children and Young People Unit / LANU Telephone:0295163504 Email Address: [email protected]
Laura Salovaara, Administrative Assistant
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Communities and Functional Capacity / YTO, Children and Young People Unit / LANU Telephone:0295163177 Email Address: [email protected]
Kirsi Pollari, Senior Specialist
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Communities and Functional Capacity / YTO, Children and Young People Unit / LANU Telephone:0295163051 Email Address: [email protected]