Kaisa Tammi appointed interim leader of Finland’s state-run children’s homes amid ongoing investigations

Kaisa Tammi has been appointed as the interim leader of Finland’s state-run children’s homes, replacing Kaisa Lepola, who was dismissed due to uncertainties surrounding administrative and procurement issues. This decision comes in response to complications that arose during Lepola’s tenure, including investigations prompted by internal audit reports highlighting these procurement and financial irregularities. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), responsible for overseeing the homes, has filed a police report regarding these matters, and an investigation is ongoing.

Tammi’s role, which is set to continue until the end of next year, aims to provide stability amidst concerns that Lepola may contest her dismissal, a situation that could have led to a dual leadership scenario. Tammi is currently on leave from her position as the head of the correctional facility in Hämeenlinna, a role that is in flux due to ongoing organizational changes following negotiations to merge various correctional centers.

As part of this restructuring, two correctional facilities will be consolidated into one, forming a new center for the Hämeen region and Pirkanmaa. Minna Saukko, currently managing the Hämeen and Pirkanmaa centers, has been selected as the leader of this new organization. The repercussions of these changes on Tammi’s future position within the correctional system are still uncertain, and further decisions regarding leadership appointments are expected to be finalized before the end of the year. The new organizational structure for the Correctional Services will officially launch in January 2025.