Rights of children and young people

The Ombudsman supervises and promotes the implementation of children's rights. He takes children’s rights into account when assessing all actions by the authorities that have impacts on children.

Children as complainants

In the past few years, children have made complaints to the Ombudsman more than before. Complaining to the Parliamentary Ombudsman has become a significant legal remedy especially for children who have been taken into care and placed in foster care, who can be considered to be in a particularly vulnerable position. Complaints made by children and young people provide the Ombudsman with important information on shortcomings in child welfare.

Inspections and own initiatives to safeguard the rights of children

The Ombudsman carries out inspections in institutions such as schools, children's homes, youth homes and care institutions for children. He can start own-initiative investigations on shortcomings or illegalities revealed on inspections.