Social Services Department of the City of Helsinki

The Social Services Department of the City of Helsinki is in charge of the provision of social services for children, young people, adults and the elderly. The Department promotes the development of Helsinki into a socially balanced city where no one is left behind. In particular, the city aims to:

• Secure all the prerequisites for the healthy development of children and young people
• Support the functioning capacity and responsibility of adults
• Ensure a safe and dignified life for the elderly.

In 2005 the Department was reorganised, and five major areas of activity were established:

• Child Day Care Services
• Services for Families with Children
• Adult Services
• Elderly Services
• Management and Development Centre

The unit for Families and Children is responsible for the participation in the European Cities Against Child Poverty project of the Social Service Department.

The strategy of the Social Service Department of Helsinki City is based on several key themes. Reduction of Child Poverty is one of the objectives for 2008 both for the Adult Services and Services for Families with Children units.

Child poverty, poverty and social exclusion in general are phenomenons which exist in different scales in all European cities. In spite of the historical background of countries, differences in legislation, or in ways of providing social services, the consequences of poverty and social problems for citizens are similar everywhere.

Taking part in European Cities Against Child Poverty network enables the Social Service Department to learn from other cities strategies and good practices of addressing child poverty and the related social problems.

Contact:
e: ulla.vaisanen@hel.fi
t: 00358 (0)40 3347381