Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child abuse is taken seriously throughout Finland, including in Lahti. The subject is addressed through both criminal law and child welfare law. Criminal law covers acts such as physical assault, sexual abuse, and severe neglect that may be treated as criminal offences. Child welfare law focuses on the safety and wellbeing of the child and gives municipal authorities powers to assess risks, provide support services, and in serious cases take protective actions to secure the child’s safety.
In Lahti the municipal child welfare services, local police and the courts work together when allegations arise. Health professionals, teachers and social workers are often the first to identify concern and have clear responsibilities to act. The processes can include an immediate safety response, a social services assessment, and a criminal investigation if there are grounds to suspect an offence.
A lawyer can help at several stages when child abuse is suspected or alleged. Common situations where people seek legal help include:
- If a child or adult is a victim and you want to know legal options, such as criminal charges, restraining orders, or civil remedies.
- If you are a parent or caregiver who has been accused of abuse and need legal defence in criminal proceedings or in child welfare hearings.
- If child welfare authorities propose measures that could change living arrangements, custody or parental rights and you want to challenge or negotiate those decisions.
- When evidence must be collected, preserved and presented to police, prosecutors or courts in a way that protects the child while supporting legal claims.
- To apply for legal aid, to understand entitlement to compensation, or to make contact with specialised support services for victims and families.
Key legal frameworks and local practices relevant in Lahti include:
- Criminal Code: Defines offences such as assault, aggravated assault, sexual offences, and other acts that may constitute child abuse. If a criminal act is suspected police will investigate and the case may proceed to prosecution.
- Child Welfare Act: Establishes municipal responsibilities for protecting children. Municipal child welfare services assess risk, offer support measures, and when necessary apply for court decisions on protection or temporary placement.
- Duty to notify: Professionals working with children - for example teachers, health care staff and social workers - have a duty to notify child welfare authorities if they suspect abuse or serious neglect. Any member of the public may also report concerns.
- Protective measures: Police can take immediate measures to secure safety, including applying restrictions on contact and issuing orders to prevent harassment. Courts can make temporary orders regarding custody and access in family law proceedings where child safety is at risk.
- Confidentiality and child-sensitive procedures: Interviews with children are conducted by trained professionals and authorities follow procedures intended to minimise repeat interviewing and trauma. Information is shared on a need-to-know basis to protect the child while enabling effective investigation and support.
Child abuse includes physical harm, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and serious neglect. It also covers situations where a child is exposed to violent or harmful environments. Local authorities use both criminal law and the Child Welfare Act to assess and respond to these situations.
You can contact the police if there is immediate danger or a criminal offence. For concerns about a child’s wellbeing that may not require immediate police action, contact Lahti municipal child welfare services. Professionals working with children must report suspected abuse to child welfare authorities.
If there is a criminal case, a child may be asked to provide testimony. Finnish authorities aim to use child-friendly methods - for example recorded interviews by trained interviewers - to minimise trauma. Courts consider the child’s age and vulnerability when planning hearings.
Yes, you can make an anonymous report to child welfare services. However, providing your contact details and as much information as possible helps authorities investigate and follow up. If you make a police report, giving your identity may be necessary for the investigation.
After a report, child welfare services will assess the child’s immediate safety and may open an investigation. If there are signs of a criminal offence, the police may open an investigation in parallel. The municipality may offer support services, safety planning and, in serious cases, seek court decisions on protective measures.
Yes, in serious situations the municipality can arrange temporary placement of a child outside the home to protect the child. Long-term removal or changes in custody generally require a court decision. Child welfare aims to use the least intrusive measures and to support families where possible.
An accused parent has the right to legal defence in criminal proceedings and the right to be heard in child welfare and family court processes. A lawyer can advise on rights, represent you in hearings, and help you respond to evidence and recommendations from authorities.
Times vary. Police criminal investigations and child welfare assessments can take weeks to months, depending on complexity and available evidence. Urgent safety measures are taken immediately where needed. Seek timely legal advice to understand likely timeframes in your case.
Legal aid may be available in Finland for those who qualify financially. Legal aid can cover criminal defence, representation in family court and certain civil matters. Contact local legal aid services or a lawyer to check eligibility and apply for support.
Useful evidence can include medical records, photographs of injuries, written records of incidents, text messages or social media messages, witness statements, school or daycare reports, and any records of prior contacts with child welfare or police. Preserve evidence and give copies to your lawyer or authorities rather than confronting others directly.
Helpful organisations and authorities you can contact or ask about in Lahti include:
- Lahti municipal child welfare services - for assessments, support and emergency child protection.
- Local police station - for reporting criminal offences and immediate safety concerns.
- Legal aid office and the Finnish Bar Association - to find a lawyer and check eligibility for legal aid.
- Victim Support Finland - for emotional support and practical help for victims of crime.
- Mannerheim League for Child Welfare and Save the Children Finland - offer advice, counselling and resources for families and children.
- National authorities such as the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health - for information about standards and complaints regarding professional conduct.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger call the emergency number and contact the police right away. If the situation is not immediately life threatening, make a report to Lahti child welfare services so a trained social worker can assess the situation and recommend steps to protect the child.
Document what you have observed - dates, times, descriptions and any witnesses. Do not confront the suspected abuser if that would increase risk. Seek medical attention for the child if there are injuries or health concerns.
Contact a lawyer experienced in child protection, family law or criminal defence to understand your legal options and rights. Ask about legal aid if cost is a concern. Engage support services for the child and family - counselling, victim support, and practical assistance can be available while legal and welfare processes proceed.
Acting promptly, using local specialised services, and working with experienced legal counsel will help protect the child’s safety and ensure that legal processes are handled correctly.
