Child's Funeral
· 2 min read
Special aspects of a child's funeral
A child's funeral is an extremely difficult experience for the family, and it is arranged with particular sensitivity. The funeral arrangements follow the same stages as for an adult: burial permit, choosing a funeral home, planning the ceremony, and reserving a burial plot. Funeral homes offer small caskets and urns designed for children. The blessing ceremony can be held on a small scale in an intimate setting.
Parishes and ministers approach children's funerals with special flexibility and compassion, and arrangements are adapted to the family's wishes.
Stillbirth and newborn burial
Stillbirth and neonatal death are especially painful situations. A foetus of over 22 weeks of gestation or over 500 grams is registered in the population information system as stillborn, and a burial permit is issued. The burial of a smaller foetus is voluntary but possible and often recommended for the grief process. The hospital offers the family an opportunity to spend time with the baby, take keepsake photographs and mementos. Hospitals cooperate with funeral homes to facilitate arrangements.
Costs and financial assistance
The costs of a child's funeral are generally lower than for an adult. Many parishes do not charge a burial plot fee at all for children and newborns, or offer a significant discount. A child's casket is more affordable, typically EUR 200–600. The funeral home's basic fee remains similar, however. A funeral grant may be applied for from Kela, and the municipality's social services can grant social assistance for funeral costs. Travel insurance covers costs if the death occurs during travel.
Support and grief groups
The death of a child is a traumatic experience for which the family needs support. Hospitals have social workers and psychologists who offer acute crisis support. KÄPY ry (Bereaved Parents and Families) is an organisation that offers peer support, grief groups, and counselling for bereaved families. Parish diaconal work and pastoral care are open to all regardless of parish membership. The crisis telephone (09 2525 0111) is available around the clock. Professional grief and trauma therapy can help with long-term grief work.
Frequently asked questions
How is a child's funeral arranged?
A child's funeral is arranged on the same principles as an adult's, but with special sensitivity and flexibility. The funeral home assists with arrangements and offers smaller caskets and urns for children. The blessing ceremony can be held at a church, chapel, or other venue, and may be more intimate than an adult ceremony. Parishes approach children's funerals with special compassion and flexibility. In many parishes, the burial plot fee for a child is reduced or waived.
How is a stillborn child's burial handled?
A stillborn child's burial is handled at the hospital in cooperation with the family and the funeral home. A foetus of over 22 weeks or over 500 grams is registered in the population information system as stillborn, and a burial permit is issued. The burial of a foetus under 22 weeks is voluntary but possible. Hospitals provide support and guidance for funeral arrangements. Parents may spend time with the baby at the hospital, take photographs, and arrange a small-scale ceremony. Funeral homes offer special small caskets and urns.
Is a child's funeral free of charge?
Many parishes offer the burial plot for a child free of charge or at a significantly reduced rate. In particular, burial plot fees for newborns and stillborns are often nominal or waived entirely. The funeral home's services and the casket or urn are still chargeable, though a child's casket is usually less expensive. Kela may grant a funeral grant. If the family lacks funds, the municipality's social services can assist with costs through social assistance.
What kind of support can the family receive after a child's death?
The family can receive many kinds of support after a child's death. The hospital social worker and psychologist offer acute crisis support. Parish grief groups and pastoral care are open to all. KÄPY ry (Bereaved Parents and Families) offers peer support, counselling, and grief groups. Crisis telephone and mental health services are also available. The employer must grant leave for the grief period, and Kela may compensate sickness allowance for incapacity due to grief. Professional grief counselling is recommended.
Read also
What does a funeral cost in Finland? Read about burial fees, plot prices, crematorium charges, blessing ceremony, and memorial gathering costs.
How to obtain a burial permit in Finland: who issues it, what documents are needed, and how long the process takes. A clear guide for next of kin.
Casket burial in Finland: process, casket selection, reserving a burial plot, and costs. A comprehensive guide to casket burial practices.