Background & Purpose
Sometimes children need help and support from society, but parents might refuse to cooperate or say yes to the assistance. To make sure vulnerable children still get help in time, the rules are changing.
Proposals & Debate
The government proposed that social boards should be allowed to decide on open support measures and appoint contact persons for children from the age of 12, provided the child agrees, even if the parents object.
The Decision
The Swedish parliament voted in favour of the government's proposal, allowing social services to offer support to children from age 12 without requiring permission from their parents.
Does this affect you?
- Children aged 12-17: Can get direct help and support from social services on their own initiative, even if their parents disagree.
- Social workers: Get new legal possibilities to step in and offer support to older children without needing approval from both parents.
- Parents and guardians: Lose the absolute veto right over certain open support measures for their children once the child turns 12.
In Practice
- Children who have turned 12 can receive preventive support and treatment from social services even if their parents say no.
- Social services can assign a contact person to a child from age 12 without parental consent.
- The child's own consent is still strictly required for these measures to be initiated.
- Social services must always assess that the measure is appropriate for the individual child.