The rights of the child are not realised in custody disputes, nor are decisions always in the best interests of the child, according to a report commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
The report discussed how society could better support children in contentious divorces and custody disputes.
The report submitted to Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen on Thursday included 31 recommendations for improving the situation, said the ministry in a press release.
The services and support offered to parents are also insufficient. Information for the report was collected from professionals working in the healthcare and social welfare sector, courts of law, and forensic psychology and psychiatry units for children. The report also made extensive use of research data.
“According to the report, it is too often the case in the most difficult divorces that children remain invisible and their best interests are overshadowed by their parents’ problems and conflicts. It is therefore necessary to reform services and legislation in order to protect children’s right to a safe and happy childhood, “said Grahn-Laasonen.
The report included 31 proposals for improving the position of children in contentious divorces. The proposals made by the rapporteurs concern preventing contentious divorces, improving the position and rights of the child, ensuring the support needed by parents, developing legal processes and legislation, clarifying powers, developing service paths, preventing violence and strengthening competence.
Based on the report, the ministerial working group on children, youth and families will make decisions on the reform of services and legislation.
The Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters had the main responsibility for drawing up the report. The monitoring group appointed for the report included representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Justice, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the National Police Board, the National Courts Administration and the Office of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman.
- Divorce
- Hampers
- Child
- Rights
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
