Prison family units
A prison family unit is a home‑like child welfare facility that allows a parent to serve their prison sentence in the family unit during pregnancy or together with their child under the age of three. A child placed in a prison family unit must be under two years old.
The family unit is a separate, independent section located within the Vanaja open prison and the Hämeenlinna closed prison. The operation of the family unit is supervised and guided in Finland by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
The prison family unit carries out impactful work to improve the wellbeing of infants and parents. During their stay, the parent receives professional support and participates in rehabilitative activities offered by both the family unit and the prison. The parent is supported in considering how to create a good and safe start in life for their child. During the placement, the child’s basic needs are met by the parent together with the staff of the family unit
Vanaja–Ojoinen Open Prison Family Unit
The unit consists of four residential cells, with a total of ten family places. Each cell has a shared kitchen and bathroom. The family unit building is separate from the rest of the prison. The unit has its own yard area. The surroundings are rural, and there is space to move around with the child.
Hämeenlinna Prison Family Unit
In the closed prison, the unit has two places and is intended for remand prisoners. The family unit is furnished to be as home‑like and child‑friendly as possible. Being on remand limits movement within the family unit and communication both inside and outside the prison. In Hämeenlinna Prison, the unit includes two client rooms, a lounge area, and an office. The family unit also has its own playground.
