Duties and authority of the Ombudsman for Children
The duty of the Ombudsman for Children in Finland is to ensure that the status and rights of children are taken into account in legislation and societal decision-making.
What is the legal basis for the Ombudsman’s work?
The Ombudsman for Children is a key government authority promoting the rights of the child in Finland. The duty was established in 2005 to ensure that the status and rights of the child are taken into consideration in legislation and societal decision-making.
The Ombudsman for Children performs their duties independently and autonomously. The work of the Ombudsman for Children is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (SopS 59-60/1991) and is governed by the Act on the Ombudsman for Children (1221/2004).
What does the Ombudsman for Children do?
The Ombudsman for Children monitors the living conditions and wellbeing of children and assesses the impacts of legislation and societal decision-making on children. The Ombudsman publishes studies and reports on topical issues. A key part of the Ombudsman’s work is to investigate the views of children and young people and to communicate them to others. For example, the views of children and young people are explored in the Young Advisers meetings and in the Child Barometer surveys.
The Ombudsman for Children issues statements to parties involved in drafting laws that affect children. The Ombudsman for Children is under no absolute obligation to issue statements; instead, it acts within the limits set by its office’s resources.
The Ombudsman for Children reports the observations made to the Government, Parliament and the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Ombudsman for Children has the right to obtain from other authorities public information necessary for the performance of their duties free of charge.
The Ombudsman for Children may take initiatives and express opinions to improve the status of children at their discretion. The primary tools of the Ombudsman for Children include anticipation, communication and knowledge-based guidance. The Ombudsman for Children works in close cooperation with various authorities, organisations and other parties, and it is supported by the Child Advisory Board appointed by the Government.
The Ombudsman for Children contributes to shaping public opinion by participating in public discussions and societal debate on values.
Which tasks fall outside the Ombudsman for Children’s remit?
The Ombudsman cannot process appeals, complaints or matters concerning individual children and families. See the contact details of the supervisory authorities and the authorities handling complaints and instructions for contacting them.
The Ombudsman for Children may, at their discretion, express an opinion on the realisation of the child’s best interests and rights based on individual cases. The Ombudsman’s opinions focus on matters of broader significance and importance in principle.
Office of the Ombudsman for Children
The Office of the Ombudsman for Children is located in Jyväskylä. The Ombudsman for Children operates in the government branch of the Ministry of Justice and belongs to the Agency for Special Authorities in Judicial Administration. The Office of the Ombudsman for Children employs specialists who promote the rights of the child in cooperation with the Ombudsman.