Measures of preventive action

In child welfare cases, in the first instance it is usual to try to find measures to improve conditions in the child's environment. The evaluation shows whether a child needs measures for protection, and usually these options are tried first. Only in serious cases is a decision made to place a child outside the home.

Examples of measures for support include advice and guidance for the parents, psychological treatment, family counselling or support for leisure activities.

The purpose of these measures is to ensure a better environment for the child.

Placing a child outside the home

In some cases, the child has to move away from home, and the Child Welfare Services take over the care responsibility for a period of time

It is always the Main Child Protection Committee that makes the decision.

Each year a couple of children are placed into care. Some children move to family members or other people in their network that they know and trust, some move to foster homes and others need to go into residential child care homes.

A child can be placed outside the home in the following cases:

1. When there is serious neglect in relation to the daily care of the child.

2. If the child is exposed to violence or other serious mistreatment.

3. If it is likely that the child's health or development is at risk in the home.

4. If the child has problems with abuse, criminal behaviour or serious social problems.

5. If the child has behavioural or adjustment problems.