Supporting the Integration of Socially Excluded Young People in Finland

Abstract

Finland has taken policy actions targeting “socially excluded young people” — youth who live in isolation or withdrawal from social interactions. The Finnish youth law stipulates that to prevent young people from social exclusion, local governments should undertake outreach youth work with the involvement of youth workers. The outreach youth work project is designed to serve young people under 29 years of age who are not in employment, education, or receiving any social services or welfare benefits, helping them integrate into society and prepare for their future. The Finnish government, with the Ministry of Education and Culture at the forefront, has been actively expanding the outreach youth work initiative to a nationwide scale. On the other hand, various educational institutions and private-sector organizations have independently provided education and training programs aimed at developing the workforce necessary to implement the project.