Key issues
- Increased attention is given to the mental health of children and young people.
- A positive legal amendment raised the age of sexual consent for children.
- The most significant issue emerging is the increase in inequality.
Political and institutional developments
The past and ongoing crises have harmed the mental and material well-being of children and families and created new challenges for society as a whole.[1] Anxiety is fuelled by the war in Ukraine and high inflation.[2] The number of families in need of subsistence benefit increased significantly in 2022. A notable and concerning fact is that while unemployment has traditionally been one of the main factors contributing to the need for assistance, in 2022, the share of benefit recipients from unemployed families decreased, but the share of families with children increased.[3]
In addition, we continue to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis – restrictions have left a negative impact on children and young people, affecting their mental health.[4] Different environments play a role in ensuring the mental health and well-being of children and young people, so it is important that extracurricular time is also filled with safe activities, including activities that support development and health. Unfortunately, children living in remote areas experience deepening inequality and deprivation when yet another opportunity for extracurricular education disappears from their local area due to the state and municipality not finding a solution for its funding.[5]
The deterioration of children’s and young people’s mental health has fortunately spurred several promising initiatives. During the reporting period, a mental health department was established in the Ministry of Social Affairs[6], the Estonian Human Development Report on mental health and well-being was published[7], and the Mental Health Action Plan 2023–2026 was developed[8].
In addition, the Welfare Development Plan 2023–2030[9] was approved, focusing on promoting parental education, creating a more family-friendly environment, and updating the organisation of child protection. It is crucial that the state finds the necessary financial and human resources to achieve the goals of the development plan.[10]
A national family mediation system was established, and divorcing parents now have a free of charge opportunity to resolve custody issues out of court, which hopefully leads to faster and easier solutions for all parties, serving primarily the best interests of the child.[11]
The children’s welfare department of the Social Insurance Board has expanded, with the establishment of a prevention unit.[12] In addition, the fourth children’s house was opened in Pärnu, providing assistance to sexually abused children or children with harmful sexual behaviour.[13]
Legislative developments
Guided by the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)[14] Estonia is moving towards a more child-friendly society that respects children’s rights. The legalisation of same-sex marriage is a welcomed step towards a more open and equal society, resulting in equal opportunities for same-sex couples to adopt children.[15] It is crucial to increase awareness, both in schools and other educational institutions, in line with the non-discrimination principle stipulated in Article 2 of the CRC, which prohibits discrimination against a child based on their own characteristics or those of their parents or legal guardians.[16]
It is positive to note that the debate over the age of sexual consent for children, which lasted for over ten years, received a positive resolution, and in 2022, a legal amendment came into effect stating that adults are not allowed to engage in sexual relationships with children under 16 years of age.[17] Additionally, an amendment allowing marriage only between adults was enacted.
Family benefits were increased, and from 2024, maintenance allowance will also be increased.[18] While family policy should offer security and stability to families in uncertain times, the frequent amendments to the Family Benefits Act and Family Law Act during the reporting period did not provide consistent support for all families with children.[19]
The adoption of amendments facilitating the transition to Estonian-language education[20] is welcomed, but the lack of qualified Estonian-speaking teachers, educational resources, and supportive solutions for parents in ensuring a smooth transition is a cause for concern.[21]
Statistics and surveys
In 2023, the Republic of Estonia submitted its combined fifth to seventh periodic report[22] on the CRC to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, based on the activities during the period 2017–2022. The report was a response to the observations made by the Committee in 2021.[23] In addition to the state report, comments on children’s rights were also submitted by the children’s rights ambassadors[24], the Office of the Chancellor of Justice, and the NGO Estonian Union for Child Welfare, involving other non-governmental organisations.
As part of the country’s goal to reform child protection in Estonia, an “Analysis of current case management, data exchange, and e-services in child protection”[25] was conducted. Based on this analysis, the Ministry of Social Affairs plans to submit a legislative intent for amending the Child Protection Act in 2023.
The Social Insurance Board’s Child Helpline (116 111) received 16,133 calls in 2022. The main topics of the calls included abuse (23%), parenting issues (18%), the mental health and well-being of children (12%), relationships (10%), and custody issues (7%). Children themselves contacted the helpline 2,745 times in 2022, with 184 cases involving children expressing suicidal thoughts.[26]
Promising practices
It is positive that more Family Nest (Perepesa) Centres are being created in Estonia, which are community-based prevention and family work centres, aiming to develop systematic and coordinated prevention work and organise early detection among expectant mothers and families with young children at the local level.[27] Additionally, the promotion of the Social Insurance Board’s Child Helpline service continues, and starting from the summer of 2023, the Child Helpline also provides assistance to clients using Estonian or Russian sign language, ensuring better service accessibility and quality for more target groups.[28]
During the reporting period, campaigns to recruit new foster families have continued.[29] Although there are still fewer foster families than needed, 52 children were placed in foster care in 2022, which is 18 more than the previous year.[30] It is also positive that the crisis care family service and special care family service project, initiated in 2020, is ongoing.[31]
Professionals working with and for children are increasingly being recognised and appreciated in society. President Karis has awarded the Order of the White Star to several specialists, including children’s rights and mental health advocate Helika Saar[32], advocate for the education of children with special needs Ana Kontor, and Bullying-Free School initiative leader Kristiina Treial[33].
Noteworthy public discussions
According to the Constitution, in addition to large families, people with disabilities and their close family members also have the right to special care. Unfortunately, the use of the rights by children with disabilities depends directly on the capabilities of their parents and is therefore not equally guaranteed to everyone.[34] These children are not sufficiently protected from discrimination, they are not adequately involved or assisted, and their access to education is limited.[35] Therefore, it caused concern when there was an attempt to amend the Public Transport Act, intending to abolish the obligation of commercial carriers to transport passengers belonging to vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities up to the age of 16, free of charge.[36]
Trends and future outlook
In 2021, Estonia, along with other EU Member States, joined the Child Guarantee initiative.[37] In 2022, Estonia submitted to the European Commission its Child Guarantee Action Plan for 2023–2030[38], in which one of the future challenges mentioned is access to mental health services and assistance to Ukrainian refugees and their children. Persistent problems include the slow growth of family-based foster care[39], regional inequality in the availability of services, including extracurricular education[40], high level of bullying[41], overly easy accessibility of e-cigarettes leading to a vaping epidemic.[42] Additionally, limited physical activity of Estonian children and the resulting issue of obesity continue to be concerns.[43]
There is still much to be done to create a child-friendly Estonia, and it is crucial that children are no longer objects of political battles, as unfortunately happened repeatedly during the reporting period.[44]
Case description
“I really want to join some hobby groups, but I can’t. There’s not enough money for everything, sometimes I’m even hungry. I get teased, bullied, made fun of. I’m afraid to stand out from others.” This was the response of two students from grades 6–9 in a survey conducted in one Estonian school about their feeling of happiness and the obstacles to it. We do not know if these two children are the first, second, or third in their families, if they come from a single-parent, two-parent, or guardianship family – but that does not matter. Every child is important, regardless of their birth order, family type, or place of residence. It is important that no child’s happiness is hindered, and that no child becomes a so-called lost or excluded young person.
Recommendations
- Increase the accessibility and quality of mental health services for children and young people.
- In order to obtain a comprehensive and multifaceted view of children’s well-being, it is necessary to monitor the situation of children and families in different sectors and across sectors, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of policy measures.
- Stop the growth of regional inequality because, in the current crisis, the gap between urban centres and periphery is rapidly widening.
[1] Eesti rahvastiku vaimse tervise uuringu konsortsium. 2022. Eesti rahvastiku vaimse tervise uuringu lõpparuanne. Tallinn, Tartu: Tervise Arengu Instituut, Tartu Ülikool.
[2] Sotsiaalministeerium. 2022. Sotsiaalkaitseminister Signe Riisalo: Olgem lastele toeks ja eeskujuks, kuulajaks ja nõuandjaks, 08.12.2022.
[3] Melesk, K. jt. 2022. Toimetulekutoetuse ja võlgnevuse mõju tööturuaktiivsusele ning sotsiaal-majanduslikule toimetulekule. Tallinn: Poliitikauuringute Keskus Praxis.
[4] Haugas, S., Allemann, M., Anniste, K. 2021. COVID-19 pandeemia sotsiaal-majanduslik mõju noortele. Tallinn: Poliitikauuringute Keskus Praxis.
[5] Urmann, H, Tubelt, E., Remmik, M. 2023. Kohaliku tasandi noortevaldkonna rahastusotsused. Tartu Ülikool RAKE.
[6] Sotsiaalministeerium. 2022. Sotsiaalministeeriumis alustas vaimse tervise osakond, 08.06.2022.
[7] Sisask, M. (toim). 2023. Eesti inimarengu aruanne 2023. Vaimne tervis ja heaolu. Tallinn: SA Eesti Koostöö Kogu.
[8] Sotsiaalministeerium. 2022. Vaimse tervise tegevuskava 2023–2026.
[9] Sotsiaalministeerium. 2023. Heaolu arengukava 2023-2030.
[10] Lastekaitse Liit. 2022. Arvamus heaolu arengukava 2020-2030 eelnõule.
[11] Sotsiaalkindlustusamet. Perelepitus.
[12] Sotsiaalkindlustusamet. Lastekaitsealane ennetustöö.
[13] Sotsiaalkindlustusamet. 2022. Pärnus avatakse lastemaja seksuaalselt väärkoheldud laste abistamiseks, 17.10.2022.
[14] Riigi Teataja. 1991. Lapse õiguste konventsioon. RT II 1996, 16, 56.
[15] Riigi Teataja. 2023. Perekonnaseaduse muutmise ja sellega seonduvalt teiste seaduste muutmise seadus. RT I, 06.07.2023, 6.
[16] Lastekaitse Liit. 2023. Arvamus perekonnaseaduse muutmise ja sellega seonduvalt teiste seaduste muutmise seaduse eelnõule.
[17] Riigi Teataja. 2022. Karistusseadustiku, perekonnaseaduse ja tsiviilkohtumenetluse seadustiku muutmise seadus (seksuaalse enesemääramise ja abiellumise eapiiri muutmine). RT I, 08.06.2022, 1.
[18] Sotsiaalkindlustusamet. Peretoetuste määrad ja maksmine.
[19] Saar, H. 2023. Kõne Riigikogu sotsiaalkomisjoni avalikul istungil, 09.05.2023.
[20] Riigi Teataja. 2022. Põhikooli- ja gümnaasiumiseaduse ning teiste seaduste muutmise seadus (eestikeelsele õppele üleminek). RT I, 28.12.2022, 8.
[21] Lastekaitse Liit. 2022. Arvamus põhikooli- ja gümnaasiumiseaduse ning teiste seaduste muutmise seaduse (eestikeelsele õppele üleminek) eelnõule 722 SE.
[22] Lapse Õiguste Komitee. Combined fifth to seventh periodic reports submitted by Estonia under article 44 of the Convention, due in 2023, CRC/C/EST/5-7, 12.06.2023.
[23] Lapse Õiguste Komitee. 2021. List of issues prior to submission of the combined fifth to seventh periodic reports of Estonia, CRC/C/EST/QPR/5-7, 17.11.2021.
[24] Õiguskantsleri kantselei. Laste raport ÜRO Lapse Õiguste Komiteele.
[25] CIVITTA. 2022. Tänapäevase lastekaitse juhtumikorralduse, andmevahetuse ja e-teenuste analüüs.
[26] Sotsiaalkindlustusamet. 2023. Lasteabitelefoni 116 111 pöördumiste arv on jätkuvalt kasvutrendis, 07.02.2023.
[27] Lapse heaolu arengukeskus. Uute Perepesade loomine.
[28] Sotsiaalkindlustusamet. 2023. Lasteabi nõustab eesti ja vene viipekeelseid kliente üle videosilla, 27.06.2023.
[29] Kõik lood on leitavad veebilehelt hoolduspere.ee.
[30] Sotsiaalkindlustusamet. 2023. Ülevaade: 2022. aastal paigutati hooldusperedesse rohkem lapsi kui varem, aga uutelt peredelt tuli avaldusi vähem, 26.01.2023.
[31] Sotsiaalkindlustusamet. Kriisihoolduspere ja erihoolduspere.
[32] Vabariigi Presidendi Kantselei. Eesti tunnustab vabariigi aastapäeva eel teenetemärkidega 148 inimest, 21.02.2022.
[33] Vabariigi Presidendi Kantselei. Eesti tänab ja tunnustab iseseisvuspäeva eel 167 inimest riiklike teenetemärkidega, 06.02.2023.
[34] Eesti Päevaleht. 2022. Puuetega laste vanemad: me enam ei jaksa võidelda oma laste õiguste eest, 07.11.2022.
[35] Kallaste, E. jt. 2017. Puudega lastega perede toimetuleku ja vajaduste uuring. Tallinn: Eesti Rakendusuuringute Keskus Centar ja Turu-Uuringute AS.
[36] Lastekaitse Liit. 2023. Arvamus ühistranspordiseaduse muutmise seaduse eelnõule.
[37] Euroopa Komisjon. 2021. European Child Guarantee.
[38] Eesti lastegarantii tegevuskava 2023-2030.
[39] Tervise Arengu Instituut. 2023. Ülevaade: 2022. aastal paigutati hooldusperedesse rohkem lapsi kui varem, aga uutelt peredelt tuli avaldusi vähem, 26.01.2023.
[40] Rahandusministeerium. 2022. Solman: peame vähendama regionaalset ebavõrdsust enne, kui see muutub Eestile ohukohaks, 14.10.2022.
[41] Kendrali, E., Allemann, M., Murasov, M., Haugas, S., Mägi, E. 2022. Kiusamist ennetavate ja vähendavate sekkumiste tõhusus ning haridusasutuste kogemused nende rakendamisel. Tallinn: Mõttekoda Praxis.
[42] Balti uuringute keskus. 2022. Alternatiivsete nikotiinitoodete tarbimise uuring.
[43] Tartu Ülikooli Liikumislabor. 2021. Õpilaste liikumisaktiivsuse uuring 2021.
[44] Lastekaitse Liit. 2022. Arvamus perehüvitiste seaduse muutmise seaduse eelnõule 619 SE.
