Amendments to Child Welfare Act to strengthen means to safeguard everyday life for children in substitute care

Most of the first-phase amendments to child welfare legislation will enter into force on 1 October 2026. However, the provisions on a closed institutional service providing rehabilitation will enter into force on 1 January 2027. The amendments aim to strengthen children’s right to balanced development and protection and to improve the possibilities of child welfare services to ensure a safe everyday life for children.