58 social welfare – children The sites visited were: – Peiponpesä, Hyvinkää (21 places, private services provider) – Outamo children’s home, Lohja (37 places, run by local authorities) – Lukkarila children’s home, Peräseinäjoki (7 places, private service provider) – Nummela youth home, Lapua (4 places, private service provider) – Harjulakoti, Kajaani (7 places, private service provider) – Salmila children’s home, Kajaani (14 places, run by local authorities) – Kimppa children’s and youth home, Paltamo (7 places, private service provider) – Villa Junior, Ylöjärvi (7 places, private service provider) – Honkalyhty, child welfare unit for children with special needs, Kangasala (7 places, private service provider) – Varatie Tervakoski, Janakkala (16 places, private service provider) – Tukikoti Tasapaino, Forssa (7 places, private service provider) Presented in the following are some of the observations made during the visits, and statements and recommendations based on them: Resources / responsibility for arrangements and costs • The Deputy-Ombudsman pointed out that many of the deficiencies observed in the operations of the unit appeared to be the result of inadequate staffing. The Deputy-Ombudsman took the initiative to investigate the personnel resourcing in relation to the children’s care needs. Atmosphere / treatment • Each placed child interviewed during the visit conveyed a sense of satisfaction with the conditions, atmosphere, and staff at the unit. The children said they were happy at the unit, which was supported by the observations made during the visit. The Deputy-Ombudsman stated that it is an elemental part of the standard of care that the children themselves find the atmosphere at the institution positive and that the staff members are able to build good, supportive relationships with the children. The Deputy-Ombudsman drew specific attention to the vital obligation to provide appropriate, high-standard treatment of the children placed in the institution’s care. Any poor, degrading or invalidating treatment or attitude shown by the staff towards a child merits immediate intervention through the means available to the management. The Deputy-Ombudsman also emphasised the importance of using appropriate language when conversing with a child or discussing their case.