Liisa Jokinen has been appointed Chief Specialist in the National Child Strategy

Minister of Social Affairs and Health Kaisa Juuso has appointed Liisa Jokinen, Master of Social Sciences, as Chief Specialist in the National Child Strategy 1 September 2024-31 May 2025. The appointment was made for the duration of Johanna Laisaari’s leave of absence.

Jokinen will transfer to the post from the position of Senior Specialist at the Unit for Children and Young People at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Before that, she has worked as a social worker and as a specialist and supervisor in, for example, services for children, young people and families. In the Government, Jokinen has worked for example in Government Program to Reform Child and Family Services, in the fight against juvenile and gang crime and in the preparation of legislation related to mental health services for children and young people.

“It is inspiring to be involved in establishing the role and activities of the Child Strategy in the Government. Our important goal is to find the most effective ways to promote the realisation of the Rights of the Child in all administrative branches and levels. During the autumn, we will strive to clarify the operating structures and practices within which we can engage in continuous dialogue with different actors in the future.”, Jokinen says.

Finland’s first National Child Strategy was published in 2021. It is based on fundamental and human rights treaties and its vision is a genuinely child and family-friendly Finland that respects the rights of the child. The Child Strategy will be implemented through an implementation plan drawn up for each government term. The European Child Guarantee, adopted in 2021, will also be implemented in connection with the Child Strategy.

The Chief Specialist is responsible for promoting the national implementation of the National Child Strategy and the European Child Guarantee and for supporting and coordinating cross-administrative and parliamentary cooperation in the Child Strategy.

Further information

Director Elina Palola elina.palola(a)gov.fi

• Keywords: child strategy