North Ostrobothnia welfare region loses court case over free care for disabled children but will continue charging fees

The North Ostrobothnia welfare region Pohde will continue to charge fees for morning and afternoon care for disabled children despite losing multiple court cases on the matter, Yle reports.

The welfare region argues that recent rulings apply to old legislation, while the new Disability Services Act—set to take full effect in 2025—permits charging for such services. Under the new law, standard morning and afternoon activities under the Basic Education Act remain the primary option for all schoolchildren. If a child requires additional support beyond this, Pohde provides it as a separate service.

Tanja Salisma, a legal expert at the Finnish Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, states that if a disabled child’s individual needs are not met by standard activities, the welfare region must arrange alternative care under the Disability Services Act—without charging fees. “Support required due to a disability should be free of charge for the child,” Salisma said.

She added that confusion persists among welfare regions about the new law’s implementation. Cooperation between municipalities and welfare regions could allow disability-specific afternoon care to be integrated into school settings, but Salisma noted that such collaboration has been “particularly difficult” in Pohde’s area.

Pohde defended its position in a statement to Yle, asserting that all disabled children receive necessary services. The question, it said, is whether families should pay the same €120 monthly fee as other parents in Oulu—or receive care free of charge.

The welfare region previously lost most of its court cases against families contesting the fees. While affected families may now seek compensation, Pohde confirmed it will not change its fee policy.