The Finnish Government’s Child and Youth Policy Programme 2007–2011
opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö
14.01.2008
Julkaisusarja:
Publications of the Ministry of Education, Finland 2008:21This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-485-537-2Tiivistelmä
The Programme for Child and Youth Policy adopted by the Government on 13 December 2007 defines the aims, focus areas and practical measures to improve the well-being of children and young people during the current government term. The last time a cross-administration youth policy of this magnitude was drawn up was in connection with the International Year of the Child in 1979. The current programme is Finland’s first Programme for Child and Youth Policy, which will be renewed every four years from now on.
The collaboration partners in the Programme include regional and local authorities, organisations, industry, children and youth researchers and ecclesiastical bodies. The preparation of the programme has been transparent. This has given rise to a diverse and profound exchange of ideas on the well-being of children, young people and families. The Programme presents the voice of everyday reality and the future.
The aim of the government is to turn Finland into a friendlier place for children and young people. The Programme is based on the life-cycle approach according to which a human life-cycle is seen as continuum from early childhood to increasingly independent youth and adulthood. The aim is to cross administrative borders and to promote multi-disciplinary co-operation at a local level. One strategic focus is providing an increasingly forceful presence in various transitions, changes and crises in life. This aim is supported by the evaluation of the effects decision-making has in the lives of children and families.
The scope of the Programme on the level of measures is a government’s term of office. However, the aims are partly focused even further. In municipalities, the implementation of the Programme for Child and Youth Policy has gotten off to a good start. The programme approved by the government provides the municipalities with guidelines and models on how to implement the programme.
The Government Programme ensures that the Child and Youth Policy Programme will be implemented. The Government Policy Programme for Children, Youth and Families provides a strong framework for the implementation and monitoring of the Programme. A wide range of materials pertaining to the key indicators of children and young people’s well-being have been incorporated in the Programme at hand.
The Government’s investment in children and young people is both an end in itself and a necessity. As Finland’s population structure changes, we are faced with a formidable challenge. Our very survival requires us to be a nation of people who are self-assured, trust each other and are willing to share responsibility. The foundation of social policy is to be found in growth and educational communities as well as in the well-being of children and young people.
The collaboration partners in the Programme include regional and local authorities, organisations, industry, children and youth researchers and ecclesiastical bodies. The preparation of the programme has been transparent. This has given rise to a diverse and profound exchange of ideas on the well-being of children, young people and families. The Programme presents the voice of everyday reality and the future.
The aim of the government is to turn Finland into a friendlier place for children and young people. The Programme is based on the life-cycle approach according to which a human life-cycle is seen as continuum from early childhood to increasingly independent youth and adulthood. The aim is to cross administrative borders and to promote multi-disciplinary co-operation at a local level. One strategic focus is providing an increasingly forceful presence in various transitions, changes and crises in life. This aim is supported by the evaluation of the effects decision-making has in the lives of children and families.
The scope of the Programme on the level of measures is a government’s term of office. However, the aims are partly focused even further. In municipalities, the implementation of the Programme for Child and Youth Policy has gotten off to a good start. The programme approved by the government provides the municipalities with guidelines and models on how to implement the programme.
The Government Programme ensures that the Child and Youth Policy Programme will be implemented. The Government Policy Programme for Children, Youth and Families provides a strong framework for the implementation and monitoring of the Programme. A wide range of materials pertaining to the key indicators of children and young people’s well-being have been incorporated in the Programme at hand.
The Government’s investment in children and young people is both an end in itself and a necessity. As Finland’s population structure changes, we are faced with a formidable challenge. Our very survival requires us to be a nation of people who are self-assured, trust each other and are willing to share responsibility. The foundation of social policy is to be found in growth and educational communities as well as in the well-being of children and young people.