CRC/C/FIN/CO/4
is, however, concerned at the lack of medical personnel permanently based in schools,
including staff to provide children with psychological counselling. The Committee is also
concerned that pregnant women with substance abuse problems have difficulties accessing
medical treatment and that the State party does not provide sufficient attention to the
development of children born to mothers abusing substances.
43.
The Committee recommends that the State party establish permanent presence
of medical personnel in schools, including psychologists in order to provide children
with psychological counselling. The Committee also recommends that the State party
ensures that pregnant women with substance abuse problems receive timely and
quality medical assistance and treatment and that children born to such mothers are
provided with assistance and support.
Mental health
44.
The Committee is concerned at the high rate of depression and the number of
suicides, as well as two school shootings in recent years, and at the insufficient mental
health services for children. The Committee is also concerned that the prescription of
psychostimulants to children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and
Attention Deficit Disorder has not decreased.
45.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Strengthen mental health services for children and guarantee access to
examinations and treatment needed, as well as intensify suicide prevention measures;
(b)
Monitor the prescription of psychostimulants to children and take
initiatives to provide children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
and Attention Deficit Disorder, as well as their parents and teachers, with access to a
wider range of psychological, educational and social measures and treatments; and
(c)
Consider undertaking the collection and analysis of data disaggregated
according to substance and age with a view to monitoring the potential abuse of
psychostimulant drugs by children.
Breastfeeding
46.
The Committee welcomes the adoption of the Finnish National Programme of
Action for Breastfeeding Promotion in 2009 and its monitoring by the Follow-up Group for
Breastfeeding Promotion. However, it remains concerned that the rates of breastfeeding in
the State party, although higher, remain low. It is also concerned that currently the majority
of breastfeeding information is available only online and mothers have no access to
breastfeeding information through other means and there is a lack of awareness and
education on the importance of breastfeeding.
47.
The Committee recommends that the State party strengthen its efforts to
promote breastfeeding by providing access to materials, educating and raising
awareness of the public on the importance of breastfeeding and risks of artificial
feeding.
Adolescent health
48.
The Committee welcomes the Action Plan for the Promotion of Sexual and
Reproductive Health 2007–2011, as well as the creation of a Department of Child and
Adolescent Health within the National Public Health Institute, in 2007. It is, however,
concerned at the high level of alcohol and tobacco abuse among adolescents.
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