Shared insights from RemoTED workshops in residential child welfare
During spring 2026, the RemoTED team from Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Susanna Leskinen, Leila Nisula, Henri Perälä and Mira Koskenniska, organised three workshops in residential child welfare units of the Wellbeing Services County of Lapland.
The workshops were held at Tiippana, Etelärinne and Kaivarin Vintti, bringing together staff from different units to share their experiences of everyday work, especially in relation to digital tools, remote interaction, and working with children, young people and families. The aim was to better understand real-life challenges, identify concrete competence needs, and explore ideas for future development and pilot activities.
Across the workshops, similar themes and development needs emerged. Discussions highlighted how digital and remote interaction has become an increasingly important part of child welfare work, especially in regions with long distances and limited resources. At the same time, professionals reflected on how to ensure participation, trust and emotional presence also in digital environments.
A few key themes clearly stood out:
▫️ the growing role of remote interaction in everyday work
▫️ challenges in engaging clients and supporting participation online
▫️ the need for stronger skills in digital guidance and communication
▫️ the importance of data protection and digital safety
Looking ahead, the workshops also sparked interest in future-oriented solutions. In particular, youth-supporting robotics, such as pet robots, were seen as a potential way to support calming, emotional safety and a sense of presence for young people. In addition, participants discussed low-threshold digital tools, simulations and gamified learning, as well as the responsible use of artificial intelligence to support documentation and planning.
Overall, the workshops provided valuable insights into how competence development and upcoming technology pilots should be closely connected to everyday practice in residential child welfare. Alongside identified challenges, the discussions were marked by curiosity, openness and a strong willingness to develop solutions together.
We are grateful to all participants for sharing their everyday expertise and perspectives. These discussions provide a strong foundation for the work ahead and guide the development of upcoming WP2 training and WP3 technology pilots.
