Social services

The Non-Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin in the case of social services and social security benefits or other benefits, discounts or advantages granted on social grounds. The Act on the Status and Rights of Social Welfare Customers also prohibits discrimination. According to the Act, the realisation of social services must take into account the requests, opinion, interest and individual needs of the customer as well as his/her native language and cultural background.

The Office of the Ombudsman for Minorities can be contacted if a person suspects discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin in conjunction with social services. The Ombudsman can investigate discrimination matters but cannot change a decision that has been made, for example, in social services.

If you need more information about this matter, the social welfare ombudsmen working in the municipalities can provide information about the status and rights of a social welfare services customer. The social welfare ombudsman works to promote the rights of the customer and can assist in filing complaints about treatment received. More information is available about the social welfare ombudsperson at: www.stm.fi/en/social_and_health_services/client_rights

The Regional State Administrative Agencies guide and monitor municipal and private social services activities. Complaints regarding social services can be submitted to the Regional State Administrative Agency. Go to www.avi.fi for more information./en
 
Basic information in different languages about social services and social welfare is available at, for example: infopankki.fi 
 
Information about Social Insurance Institute (KELA) benefits is available at: www.kela.fi
Information about municipal services, such as social assistance, is available at the municipal social services office.




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