Theoretically, child protection agencies in Finland are established to ensure the safety and well-being of children who are at risk of abuse, neglect, or maltreatment. Social workers in these agencies play a crucial role in identifying and responding to child protection concerns. As social beings, children rely on connections with their families and communities for their social, emotional and psychological development.
However, some social workers in Finland have been working in an authoritarian way, disregarding due process, factual basis, and legal requirements, and removing children from families without sufficient justification. Their actions not only violate the fundamental human rights of children and their families, but also reflect a lack of empathy and respect for the diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds of those they serve. What’s more, these children of foreign background lose the right to leave Finland and return to their homeland, becoming permanent Finnish prisoners. Such actions are not only against humanity but also against humanism.
The first concern about the authoritarian actions of some social workers in child protection agencies is that they do not differentiate between human beings and captive animals. They treat children as mere objects to be moved from one place to another without any consideration for their social nature. Children are not machines that can be switched off and on or transferred from one environment to another without any regard for their emotional well-being. Children have a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and social workers must act in accordance with this principle.
The second concern is that authoritarian social workers ignore the emotional factors of family life. The actions of some social workers in child protection agencies towards children and families are indeed against humanity, as they ignore or disregard the emotional factors involved in family life. Children rely on their families for emotional support, and removal from their homes is often a shattering experience that can cause long-lasting psychological harm. Removing a child from their family can be a traumatic experience that can have long-lasting effects on the child’s emotional well-being. Social workers must consider the emotional impact of removing a child from their family and ensure that the decision to do so is based on factual evidence and not on personal bias or unfounded assumptions.
To protect the emotional and psychological well-being of children and promote social justice, child protection practices should be rooted in advocacy, prevention, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed care. This requires a fundamental shift in the approach to child protection, towards a more holistic and inclusive model that seeks to support and empower families, rather than simply removing children from their homes.
The third concern is that authoritarian social workers disregard children’s cultural background and family characteristics. Children are not isolated entities but are part of a wider family and cultural context. Social workers must consider the cultural background of the child and their family when making decisions about their welfare. This includes understanding the child’s language, customs, and values and taking them into account when making decisions about their care.
Disregarding and neglecting children’s cultural background and family characteristics is a violation of humanism, which values each individual’s unique identity and promotes dignity, respect, and understanding towards others. Children’s cultural identity and family background are critical aspects of their social, emotional, and psychological well-being, and should be prioritized when working with families and communities.
Child protection policies and practices should respect cultural diversity, especially in situations where removal of children from their homes is necessary. Children should be placed with relatives or within their community as far as possible, ensuring that their cultural identity, language, and traditions are respected, honored, and embraced.
Child protection workers can be more effective when they have an understanding of the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of the families and communities they serve. They should also consider the unique strengths and challenges that different families and communities face, and work in partnership with them to develop culturally sensitive and appropriate plans to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.
It is imperative that social workers in child protection agencies abide by due process, provide factual basis, and have sufficient legal basis before removing children from their homes. They must also prioritize the well-being and safety of the children they are serving.
When considering the removal of a child from their home, social workers should follow established legal procedures and guidelines. This may include obtaining a court order, conducting a thorough investigation, and ensuring that the child’s rights and welfare are protected throughout the process. It is important that social workers work collaboratively with families and other stakeholders to develop a plan for the child’s care and support that is in the best interest of the child.
In addition to following due process, social workers should also rely on factual evidence when making decisions about removing a child from their home. This may involve conducting interviews with family members and other relevant parties, reviewing medical and educational records, and gathering other relevant information to ensure that their decision is well-informed and based on accurate information.
Finally, social workers should prioritize the well-being and safety of the children they serve above all else. This means taking appropriate action to protect children from abuse or neglect, while also respecting their rights and promoting their best interests. Social workers must be sensitive to the unique needs of each child and family, and work to provide support and resources that will help them achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being.
