Saariston Lapset

Herrala Small Group Home is a child welfare residential care provider located on Palva Island in Velkua, Naantali, Finland. Operated by Saariston Lapset Oy, Herrala offers professional out-of-home care in a family-like, stimulating rural setting. The home has capacity for seven children and can also provide support through open-care services. Its approach emphasizes family-therapeutic work, with staff equipped to use occupational therapy and neuropsychiatric methods and to support children’s development through experiential activities.

Herrala works closely with the island’s nearby comprehensive school to support children’s education, drawing on staff experience with children who need additional support. The home also coordinates health and therapeutic services, working with local healthcare providers and specialist child and adolescent psychiatric services when needed. Children can take part in activities such as music, horse riding, fishing, swimming, boating, sailing, scouting and sports, with further options in nearby cities. Set in a renovated farmhouse and supported by shared activity spaces, Herrala is a basic-level child welfare institution.