Under the Social Welfare Act, a local government is obliged to provide at least six social services designed to support the child and their family. These are:

• Support person service– motivating, guiding, and developing the independent coping ability of an adult person and/or child;
• Childcare service– provision of childcare services for children aged 1.5 to 3 years and for children up to 18 years with special needs to support the ability of the person raising the child to cope or work.
• Social transport– provision of a suitable vehicle for a child whose special needs prevent the use of personal or public transport.
• Provision or adapting of dwelling– provision of a suitable dwelling for a child with special needs or a family who is unable to provide it themselves, or adaptation of the dwelling for a child who, because of their disability, has difficulties moving about.
• Safe house service– provision of temporary housing, a safe environment, and crisis support to a child or adult;
• Alternative care service– short or long-term care and education of a child outside the child’s biological family in a foster family, family house, or substitute home.

In addition to the mandatory services mentioned in the Act, a local government may also organise other social services, such as:

• Psychological counselling
• Clothing and food aid
• Day centres
• Training courses for parents
• Events and setting up and supporting self-help groups for parents

The local government also issues a parking card for people with disabilities. The parking card for a vehicle serving individuals with reduced mobility or blindness aims to facilitate parking for the disabled person or person accompanying them. With the parking card, you can park free of charge in public parking spaces that are otherwise for a fee. It is important to remember that the discount does not apply to private parking spaces.

A child protection official will be able to give you more information about the services available in your local government.

The provision of services by the local government is based on an assessment of the need for assistance. Considering the assessment results and the child’s needs, the child protection official will provide information about potential support services and benefits appropriate for your child.

The local government must not leave a person in need without appropriate assistance. If the local government of your child’s place of residence does not organise the service your child needs and alternative services cannot be provided, it is the local government’s responsibility to organise the necessary support services in cooperation with other local governments or service providers.

The debt counselling service provided by the local government may help people cope with their changed financial obligations. It is advisable to contact a debt counsellor before monthly financial obligations become unmanageable, as the counselling process helps assess the family’s financial situation and prevent the creation of potential debts.

In addition, different local governments may offer other services to help support the family’s economic coping. For more information, please contact your local child protection official or social worker, who will tell you what assistance is available in your local government.

Various charitable foundations also help to cover the costs of medicinal products and technical aids. The Children’s Foundation of the Tartu University Hospital is a charitable foundation that, among other things, helps and supports children and their families in need of special treatment or care.

Social Welfare Act

Ministry of Social Affairs

Ministry of Social Affairs – Local government social services and benefits
Ministry of Social Affairs – Disabled child
Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority – Minuraha – Planning your finances