Finland

Central Union for Child Welfare (CUCW) founded in 1937 is a central organisation that works as an active and uniting force in matters relating to children’s rights on a national and European level. The CUCW aims for a situation where children’s needs are a priority in decision-making and children’s rights are implemented in full. The mission of the CUCW is to develop child welfare and to promote cooperation between non-governmental organisations, municipalities and state authorities. The CUCW has 96 NGO members and 39 municipal members.

Pesäpuu Ry is a national centre of expertise in child welfare. Their main goals are to hear children’s voices and make children visible in child welfare services. They develop methods and concrete tools that help achieving these goals. Pesäpuu Ry aims to increase both quality and systematic planning in child welfare. Pesäpuu Ry runs its operations in the close contact of municipalities, educational institutions and both national and international non-governmental organisations.

The Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters is a nationwide child welfare organisation that helps children and families in difficult and insecure situations and prevents domestic violence. The Federation is the central organisation for its 31 member associations. The independent member associations across Finland maintain 10 mother and child homes, 7 homes focusing on treatment of drug and alcohol-related problems and 17 shelters for the victims of domestic violence. Most of the associations also have daytime services. More than 12.000 people, approximately 4.000 of whom are children who use the association’s services every year.

The Mannerheim League is the largest child welfare organisation in Finland that promotes the wellbeing of children and of families with children increases respect for childhood and ensures that children’s views are taken into account in public decision-making. The Mannerheim League relies on partnerships; it works with numerous organisations, businesses and networks in Finland and abroad.