Apply for a support family or support person
A support person or support family can be arranged for a child when there are challenges and need for support in the child’s own family, and the natural support network is unable to provide sufficient support for the child and family. The aim when organizing a support family or support person is to help a child or siblings and their families and to ensure the health and development of the child.
Children and adolescents who have meetings with a support person are usually between 12 and 17 years old. A child or adolescent has a meeting with a support person 1-4 times a month for a few hours at a time, and they to do things together, for example have a hobby.
Children visiting a support family are usually between the ages of 3 and 12. The child usually visits the support family one weekend a month and, if needed, during holidays.
At the beginning of the support relationship, a negotiation is held in order to agree on the objectives and duration of the support relationship and on the number of visits and on transportation. The service is free of charge.
For more information, contact the support relationship coordinator or the service guidance for families with children.
How to apply for a support family or a support person for a child
The granting of a support person or support family requires a social welfare customership. When it comes to a child who is already a social welfare customer, a support person or support family is applied for by filling out an application together with one’s own contact person.
The application form can be found on the page for forms for social services.
If the child is not a social welfare customer, you must contact the authority responsible for social welfare through Soite’s Omapalvelu service.