Key projects of founding organizations

Lastensuojelun Keskusliitto

The Central Union for Child Welfare brings together actors and individuals who want to make an impact on behalf of children, young people and families, and ensures that children’s voices are included in decision-making. The organisation produces new knowledge on child welfare, children’s rights, and the situation of children and families in Finland, communicates and visualises this information for decision-makers, and provides training for professionals working with children. Because children are the most important thing we have.

Parasta Lapsille ry

See the Good – Weekend Camps for Children and Families
The core idea of our year-round See the Good activities is to recognize the good in every child and family, to strengthen the child’s self-esteem, and to highlight good parenting through the methods of positive pedagogy. During the camps and weekend activities, children and families get a break from everyday life, which for many participants is burdened by financial hardship, loneliness, or health challenges. Every child has the right to a holiday. In all activities of Parasta Lapsille ry (The Best for Children Association), connecting with others, being seen, and being heard strengthen social skills and provide resources for everyday life.

Barnavårdsföreningen i Finland

The organization focuses on preventive work and supports children, young people, and families in Swedish, Finnish, and, when possible, in English. Barnavårdsföreningen helps children, young people, and families find ways and methods to ease various everyday situations. The organization also supports professionals with practical methods and tools that can be used when working with children and young people. It provides information, support, training, as well as handbooks and other materials.

Mannerheimin Lastensuojeluliitto ry

MLL (the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare) is a nationwide volunteer organisation promoting the well-being of children, young people and families across Finland. In 2026, one of its key focus areas is strengthening the mental health and participation of children and young people:

The Youth Helpline offers free, professional counselling support every day of the year, so that no young person has to face difficult feelings alone. The helpline staff support young people in processing challenging issues, help them find ways to improve their situation, and, when needed, guide them to appropriate services.

MLL’s peer support pupil activities are expanding this year to primary schools as well. Peer supporters are volunteer students who help build a positive school spirit, promote anti-bullying norms, and ensure that no one is left alone. MLL also provides broad support to schools in developing children’s and young people’s digital skills and social skills.

The well-being of children and young people begins with the well-being of families. That is why we are present in families’ everyday lives, offering diverse support and activities for parents in hundreds of locations across the country.

Ensi- ja turvakotien liitto ry

The Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters’ flagship project strengthens children’s safe everyday lives from infancy to early adulthood through two complementary themes.

Nature-based support for families with babies provides help during one of life’s most sensitive stages. The calming and restorative effects of natural environments support parents’ coping, strengthen the interaction between baby and parent, and promote the well-being of the entire family.

Preventing dating violence helps young people recognise healthy relationships and intervene in the early signs of violence. The aim is to increase young people’s awareness, support professionals, and prevent the continuation of violence in later intimate relationships and family life.

Through this flagship project, we ensure that both young people and families with babies receive timely, effective and safe support – so that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe environment.

Pelastakaa Lapset ry

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent child rights organisation and an expert in child protection. We secure every child’s right to life, protection, learning and participation in Finland and around the world. We have over one hundred years of experience in promoting children’s rights. We bring children and adults together to build a permanently better future. Because children’s future starts now.

Support person – a trusted adult by the child’s sideVolunteer support persons trained and supported by our professionals provide children with meaningful moments in everyday life. A support person listens, plays and spends time outdoors with the child, and offers experiences the child might not otherwise have access to. The service is especially intended for families with limited resources, and it supports the whole family. When a child spends time with their support person, the parent gets a much-needed break. Support person activities, together with other early support, have a significant impact on families. In our feedback survey, 96% of responding families felt that their resources had increased thanks to the support.