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From Notifications to Removals: How Immigration Shapes Child Welfare Protection at Finland’s Municipality Level

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  • Ning Zhu

    (Fudan University)

  • Aleksandra Gawel

    (Poznan University of Economics and Business, Institute of International Business and Economics)

  • Timo Toikko

    (University of Eastern Finland)

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between international migration and child welfare protection at the municipal level in Finland, utilizing macro-panel data from 293 municipalities between 2010 and 2022. The findings indicate that the child welfare protection process does not follow a consistent pattern within municipalities as immigration increases over time. Specifically, while child welfare notifications and child removals rise, family-supportive services decline, suggesting a gap within the child welfare protection system. The results imply that immigration growth within municipalities may challenge the effectiveness of early support mechanisms, potentially accelerating the transition from notification to child removal. Social risk factors such as divorce rates, income inequality, and government transfers further contextualize these patterns. These findings highlight the challenges welfare states face in balancing universalist principles with the diverse needs of multicultural populations. By deepening the understanding of structural inequities in child welfare protection, this study provides critical insights for policymakers. It emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive training, equitable resource allocation, and improved service accessibility to foster a more inclusive and sustainable child welfare protection system.

Suggested Citation

  • Ning Zhu & Aleksandra Gawel & Timo Toikko, 2025. "From Notifications to Removals: How Immigration Shapes Child Welfare Protection at Finland’s Municipality Level," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 18(5), pages 2087-2106, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:chinre:v:18:y:2025:i:5:d:10.1007_s12187-025-10259-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s12187-025-10259-1
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