Expansion of Family Guidance and Counselling Services Across Our Wellbeing Services County in May 2024

Starting May 2024, our centralized guidance and counselling services for families with children have been expanded to cover the entire wellbeing services county. This initiative provides consistent services to clients and aims to resolve their matters as comprehensively as possible during the initial contact. When necessary, clients are directed to the appropriate services utilizing preliminary assessment criteria developed collaboratively with professionals from various fields.

The model for centralized, low-threshold guidance and client counselling is based on the Future Health and Social Services Centres program described by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The goal is to develop primary-level social and health services, improve their accessibility, enhance cooperation and task distribution among professionals, and align services with the needs of the people.

Clients can reach out to the guidance and counselling services via our callback service. The phone service menu has been updated, and clients no longer need to know in advance which services they should seek. Instead, professionals assess the need for the appropriate service together with the client. The division of tasks has also been clarified to streamline handling of client issues.

By referring clients more effectively to the right services, we free up time for various professionals to engage in deliberate client work and appointments. This also reduces misdirected referrals. The guidance and counselling team can also consult with professionals from different sectors, increasing the likelihood of resolving issues at the first contact or ensuring clients are directed to the appropriate service. When possible, the team also offers low-threshold guidance through home visits.

The concept for low-threshold guidance and counselling was developed and piloted in Espoo and Kauniainen. Performance indicators were identified to describe the operations. The project focused on centralizing low-threshold guidance and counselling services in accordance with the Social Welfare Act.

During autumn 2023 and spring 2024, preparations were made to expand this centralized guidance and counselling model across the entire Wellbeing Services County. In March 2024, the model was extended to Hanko, Ingå, Raseborg, Siuntio, and Kirkkonummi. Now, in May, the model has also been implemented in Lohja, Vihti, and Karkkila. Family guidance and counselling services are now available across the entire Wellbeing Services County. Centralization will happen on different levels, with considerations to each region’s unique characteristics and needs.

Guidance and counselling services for Espoo and Kauniainen are available from 9:00 to 14:00 at tel. 029 151 2360. For Hanko, Ingå, Raseborg, Siuntio, Kirkkonummi, Lohja, Vihti, and Karkkila, services are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 14:00 at tel. 029 1512540.