Nearly ten officials under investigation for negligence linked to 4-year-old boy’s death in Joensuu

The National Bureau of Investigation (KRP) suspects nearly ten officials from the North Karelia welfare area of negligence. This suspicion is linked to the case of a 4-year-old boy who died violently in Joensuu in June 2023. The child was a client of the Siun sote child protection services. KRP’s lead investigator, Chief Inspector Mika Paaso, did not expect such a large number of suspects.

“In a public organization, responsibility also lies with superiors, so the accountability can extend quite high up,” Paaso explained, attributing the increase in suspects to this reason.

The 4-year-old boy was killed in his home in the Rantakylä district of Joensuu. Following the incident, the boy’s mother and stepfather were convicted. Now, the police are investigating whether child protection officials failed in their duties. Preliminary investigation materials reveal that the social worker responsible for the child never met him in person.

According to the law, social workers or other child welfare staff must meet the child in person frequently enough. Additionally, the Eastern Finland Regional Administrative Agency issued a directive to Siun sote to correct their operational model in child protection.

The KRP’s investigation into the child protection services has taken longer than expected due to the large number of individuals to be interviewed and the thorough examination of Siun sote’s operations. This investigation commenced in March, initially classified as a breach of duty. It was scheduled to conclude by autumn, but it is currently expected to extend at least until early October.

“Crimes or negligence may not necessarily have occurred, but we are looking into the matter,” Paaso stated.