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Why focus on municipalities?

Municipality - local community for children and young people Opinion making - project ENOC conference 26.9.2013 Brussels Maria Kaisa Aula, Ombudsman for Children in Finland. Why focus on municipalities?. Municipalities/local governments are rather independet from the state

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Why focus on municipalities?

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  1. Municipality - local community for children and young peopleOpinion making - projectENOC conference 26.9.2013 BrusselsMaria Kaisa Aula, Ombudsman for Children in Finland www.lapsiasia.fi

  2. Why focus on municipalities? • Municipalities/local governments are rather independet from the state • They have a big impact on the implementation of the rights of the child in Finland • Government platform (2011) : Municipality reform to form larger entities - > municipality mergers anticipated in coming years • Municipality elections October 2012 • Local Government Act (Act on municipalities) is rewritten for the new situation -> 2014 www.lapsiasia.fi

  3. Participation of children and young people As individuals => encountering children in a service situation As experiential experts=> exploiting data on childrens' experiences in quality work As citizens of Finland/residents of a municipality => the needs of children and young people in service development in general; interaction with decision-makers www.lapsiasia.fi

  4. Networks and co-operation • Advisory Board of the Ombudsman for Children (network of 40 officials, experts) • Young advisors for the Ombudsman • Lobbying network of 9 NGO´s : Youth council of Finland, Parents association, Child Welfare Union, Luthern Church and other key national NGO´s with family and children focus • Association of municipalities in Finland • Ministry of Finance (responsible for reform) www.lapsiasia.fi

  5. What did we do so far? • Young advisors meeting with the Minister of Finance • Survey to children and young people: ”Good municipality ?” (about 200 participants) • Common platform to lobby in municipal elections October 2012; internet based; • for candidates across parties; 4200 joined • ”Sign in to be a delegate for children and young people” • Follow up e-mail letters and a survey for those who joined www.lapsiasia.fi

  6. What did we do so far? • Group of children and young people from municipalities that had merged gave their expertise: advise and statement for decision makers • A workshop led by young people for the officials in Ministry of Finance, responsible for municipality reform • Leaflet ”Municipality reform is for young people” was delivered to every municipality www.lapsiasia.fi

  7. Which municipal services matter to children an young people?Results of the survey to the members of the Finnish Children's Parliament and municipal youth council members in spring 2012 • School • Hobbies • Sports and recreation • The library • Public transport • Health care www.lapsiasia.fi

  8. A municipality fit for children and young people to live inResults of the survey to the members of the Finnish Children's Parliament and municipal youth council members in spring 2012 • opportunities for learning, moving, playing, hobbies and eating well • a safe living environment • things that matter are close or are accessible using smooth transport connections • the adults have the right attitude: friendly, appreciate children and young people, and are interested in their opinions www.lapsiasia.fi

  9. Municipal reform concerns children and young people Young people who have experienced amalgamations between municipalities prepared guidelines for decision-makers (Oulu, Sastamala, Kokkola, Hämeenlinna and Salo) • Municipality of residence=the local aspect • Highlight the services important to children and young people • Provide information to children and young people: use plain language! • Predict and prepare for the impacts • Include young people in the preparation work www.lapsiasia.fi

  10. New Local Government Act? • Ombudsman for Children is a member of subgroup of officials planning for the democracy aspects of the new Act • Proposals • Youth council or other advisory group mandatory for every municipality • municipalities should inform young people and children • Voting age to 16 www.lapsiasia.fi

  11. http://www.lapsiasia.fi/osallistuminen/menetelmapankki/kyselythttp://www.lapsiasia.fi/osallistuminen/menetelmapankki/kyselyt . Thank you! www.lapsiasia.fi

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