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Sudden changes in the functional capacity of a loved one – a child, a spouse or an informal caregiver – can pose a significant burden. However, help and support is available to you.
Services for families with children
Social counselling for families with children
Social counselling for families with children advises and helps families with children under the age of 18. You can contact us at a low threshold when you are seeking solutions to upbringing issues, parenting challenges or straining daily life. You do not need to know in advance what kind of help your family would benefit from.
Read more about social counselling for families with children
Family counselling clinic
In addition to offering family social work services, the family counselling clinic provides help to families in various crisis situations. The staff includes social workers and psychologists. Also, various groups for parents and groups aiming to help families support their child’s emotional and social development hold meetings at the clinic.
Read more about the family counselling clinic
Home services for families with children
The home services for families with children provide practical help to families in difficult times. The services can help you with everyday tasks such as household chores and childcare. You can get home services for families with children based on a special family situation, for example.
Read more about home services for families with children
Home services for families with children are generally subject to a fee. However, according to a decision by the Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Committee, the services are free of charge to families with children in need of special support who are clients of social work and have their need for home services recorded in their client plan.
Family social work
A family that welcomes a child with special needs may need specialised support. Family social services provide support in various situations, such as when your child falls ill or you are exhausted as a parent. A social worker will prepare a client plan which details the most suitable services and support measures for you. In carrying out family social work, we collaborate with schools, daycare centres, family counselling clinics and specialised health care services.
See the contact information of family social work services
Other services we provide
Home care
The family of a child with a severe illness or disability may need more support in taking care of the child. One option for support is home care, which is a service package consisting of home health care and home services. Home care may be granted on a regular or temporary basis.
Emergency social services
Emergency social services provide assistance to people in urgent need of care, protection and help. Services are available in the evenings and on weekends.
The need for social services may be urgent, for example, if you are worried about a child’s care or how a person with a disability is managing at home.
We also services such as emergency housing and financial support. Emergency social services are available around the clock every day of the week.
See the contact information of emergency social services
Crisis emergency services
Crisis emergency services provide crisis assistance in sudden and serious crisis situations, such as a serious injury or illness or the death of a loved one.
Crisis emergency services are available around the clock every day of the week.
See the contact information of crisis emergency services
Financial support in crisis situations
Special care allowance
Special financial assistance can help you and your family in times of crisis.
The guardian of a child under the age of 16 with an illness or disability may receive a special care allowance from Kela if they are unable to do their regular work because they need to participate in the child’s care or rehabilitation.
Read more about special care allowance on Kela's website (Link leads to external service)
Supplementary or preventive social assistance
You can apply for supplementary or preventive social assistance from the City if your financial situation suddenly and significantly deteriorates due to your or a family member's special needs.
Read more about supplementary or preventive social assistance and how to apply for it