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Act of Government

Passed in Helsinki 21st day of April 2005

Act of Government

On the Ombudsman for Children

In accordance with the government decision, made on the basis of the presentation of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ombudsman for Children is made statutory in accordance with the act (1221/2004) of the 21st day of December 2004.

1§
Qualifications requirements of the Ombudsman for Children
The qualification requirements of the Ombudsman for Children are a higher education degree appropriate to the position and an intimate knowledge of the field of work.

2§
Appointment of the Ombudsman for Children

The Ombudsman for Children is appointed by the government for terms of five years at a time. The same person may be appointed for a maximum of two terms.

3§
The appointment or employment of other members of staff

Other members of staff of the office of the Ombudsman for Children are appointed or employed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health at the suggestion of the Ombudsman for Children.

4§
Annual report and plan of action

An annual report of the calendar year is to be submitted to the government by the end of March the following year. The report is to contain an assessment of the implementation of children's rights, the development of the welfare and situation of children and of observed shortcomings in legislation.

5§
The appointment and composition of the Advisory Board

On the proposal of the Ombudsman for Children the government is to appoint an Advisory Board on Child Affairs for a maximum period of five years at a time. The Advisory Board is composed of a chairperson, vice chairperson and a maximum of 14 other members, of whom each has a substitute.

The Ombudsman for Children is the chairperson of the Advisory Board. On the Advisory Board are representatives of different administrative areas of competence, regional and local levels of competence as well as of organisations' and other corresponding quarters' areas of competence related to the Advisory Board's field of activities.

6§
Duties of the Advisory Board

The duty of the Advisory Board is to assist the Ombudsman for Children:

1) to make recommendations and issue statements on the situation of children and the promotion of their rights;

2) to promote cooperation between different national and international actors on matters concerning the situation and rights of children;

3) to monitor and assess national and international developments on matters concerning children;

4) to act to strengthen the position of children in society and to exert an influence so that attitudes in society develop to be favourable to children and to promote the acquisition of information on the situation and rights of children;

5) to attend to other possible matters concerning his/her area of competence, which the Ombudsman for Children raises.

7§
The work of the Advisory Board

The Advisory Board may employ a part-time secretary for itself.

The Advisory Board convenes at the invitation of the Ombudsman for Children.

The Advisory Board may appoint administrative and working groups and consult experts.

The Advisory Board's chairperson, vice chairperson, members, secretary and experts are paid salaries and reimbursements in accordance with the regulations and guidelines of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

8§
Agenda

The Ombudsman for Children may, if necessary, strengthen the agenda of the office of the Ombudsman for Children.

9§
Entry into force

This law enters into force on the 1st day of September 2005

Prior to the entry into force of the law activities required for its implementation may be started.

Helsinki 21st day of April 2005

Minister of Health and Social Services
Liisa Hyssälä

Lawyer
Virpi Kölhi