Investing in early support curbs the need for and costs of child welfare

The costs of child welfare can be curbed by investing in preventive support. But above all, it is a question of humanity – that families receive help in time before problems accumulate and become crises.

Child welfare services are resorted to when the child's growth conditions do not secure his or her development or when the child otherwise needs services in accordance with the child welfare act. All in all, the aim is to support children and families with home-based services even before or during child welfare. Low-threshold support can be, for example, family work, support person activities or support for school attendance.

"Supporting parents and other loved ones at an early stage is crucial. The support can be everyday and concrete, such as help with cleaning or childcare," says Johanna Hedman, head of the child welfare team at the Finnish institute for health and welfare.

Early help is also financially sensible: corrective services are always more expensive. Therefore, decision-making should strengthen resources for basic-level services in both social welfare and health care.

Identification of stress factors and early support help prevent maltreatment

Research evidence that various stress factors, such as the family's financial difficulties and mental health problems, can increase a child's risk of being mistreated.

"That's why it's important that help is available at a low threshold. Professionals, such as early childhood education workers, can identify the need for support and boldly raise the issue. It is important that the family is not left alone, but that other professionals are invited to join if necessary," Hedman emphasises.

The resources of the wellbeing services counties vary which may affect the availability and content of services. The financially tight situation may lead to cuts in non-statutory services or longer queues, even if the need is great.

 "Long queues and limited resources can reduce the quality of encounters. That is why it is important that the service system works together with the family, listening and not rushing," Hedman says.

Early support is not just a cost-saving measure – it is an investment in the well-being of children and families. When help is provided in time, it is possible to avoid heavier measures and build trust between society and citizens.

It would be particularly important to ensure the availability and accessibility of substance abuse and mental health services for children and young people, as this could reduce the need for placements outside the home.

Contacting child welfare services may cause fear

As a word, child welfare can evoke fear and misunderstandings that prevent people from seeking help. Contacting child welfare services may raise questions about one's own adequacy and concern about what will happen next.

"Parenthood is a sensitive issue. Just being aware that someone is looking at it can cause distress.  A child welfare notification can feel distressing and frightening, even though the purpose is to provide support," Hedman says.

Calm encounters with professionals and correct information can turn fear into trust.

"Looking for culprits is not part of child welfare," Hedman points out.

Ensuring children’s rights is everyday safety

Safeguarding children’s rights encompasses everything that supports a child’s right to safety, a secure environment for growth, and balanced and diverse development.
It involves society as a whole – from service systems to political decision making. Policies on alcohol, social benefits, transport or working life all shape children’s everyday lives.

It is essential to uphold children’s rights in line with national legislation and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Because fundamental rights may be restricted in child welfare services, legislation also sets out strict procedures for decision making and appeals.