Clients Left Without Support Due to Financial Struggles of Social Welfare Companies – Talentia Warns of Serious Consequences
Many Finnish welfare regions have engaged in extensive co-determination negotiations this autumn due to insufficient funding. This situation has impacted social welfare companies by significantly reducing demand for their services.
For example, on October 23, care service provider Humana concluded restructuring negotiations, resulting in a nationwide reduction of 67 employees. Additionally, some welfare regions have announced a temporary halt on procuring social welfare services from private providers.
Talentia Union of Professional Social Workers views the situation as concerning and emphasizes that the need for services in welfare regions has not actually decreased.
– It’s hard to believe that people’s need for social welfare services in welfare regions has diminished so drastically. In reality, the regions are cutting costs and shifting services to in-house production, leaving people without essential help as a result, says Talentia President Jenni Karsio.
Talentia stresses that investing in preventive services can prevent rising costs and the need for more intensive services.
– It is alarming that the critical support provided by social welfare companies is at risk due to excessive budget cuts. By reducing services, welfare regions are directly impacting societal well-being, Karsio states.
The Expertise of Companies is Also Needed
Talentia argues that welfare regions also need private service providers to meet the diverse needs of clients. Service providers often have specialized expertise that is not easily replaced.
– Welfare regions’ limited resources are unlikely to meet the varied situations of clients. If service purchases from private providers are halted due to savings measures, clients’ well-being will inevitably decline. This benefits no one and further erodes the Finnish welfare society, Karsio explains.
Companies providing outsourced services play a crucial role in the social welfare service network, offering services such as elderly care, child protection, and family work, Talentia reminds us.
This news has been translated from Finnish to English by AI assistance.
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