Eurochild’s Finnish member Central Union for Child Welfare, releases its second report on child welfare costs which explores the connections between finances and the human experience by gathering real experiences of children and families.

The report highlights significant shifts in child welfare over the past decade. While the number of children in care has remained relatively stable since 2012, emergency placements and child welfare notifications have risen sharply, driving up overall costs. Beyond the figures, the study gathers real-life experiences from children and families, illustrating how delayed support can intensify both emotional strain and public expenditure. 

The findings challenge policymakers to rethink the system. Simply increasing funding, the report argues, does not automatically improve outcomes. Instead, timely, effective and humane support can deliver better results without unnecessary spending. Several case examples suggest that earlier intervention could have reduced both suffering and long-term costs. 

With birth rates declining, the report stresses that every child deserves more focused attention. Preventing marginalisation and upholding children’s rights require sustained investment and evidence-based reforms, not unrealistic promises of quick savings. The message to decision-makers is clear: move beyond acknowledging the problems and take concrete action to build a more responsive, humane child welfare system. 

Read Eurochild’s article ‘How the costs of protecting children accumulate’  

Read the Central Union for Child Welfare’s full report on child welfare costs