Finland

The Finnish Youth Act promotes social inclusion, opportunities to participate in decision-making processes over matters of concern and the development of individuals’ abilities, among others.

The National Youth Work and Policy Programme has its basis in the Youth Act, but it is also informed by the Government Programme. According to the Government Programme, the main themes for the national programme for youth work and youth policy (20202023) are to prevent social exclusion and bolster inclusion among young people.

In Finland, youth work holds a strong statutory position, which is quite a rarity when compared to other European countries. The role of youth work is not restricted to offering targeted forms of youth work, but rather offers youth work services to everyone in supporting their well-being and in having a good life in general.

The basic idea of youth information and counselling is that all young people should have access to information. This kind of work has a long history in Finland: the first pioneers of youth counselling services were established in the 1950s. These days, youth information and counselling services are provided by municipalities, the state and NGOs on various platforms. Youth information worker is not recognised as a profession in Finland but youth worker is. Services are provided in a multidisciplinary way, so there are very many professionals working with young people. Information and counselling work for young people is a form of work, carried out by these professionals.