LVM stands for ”Law on the Care of Addicts in Certain Cases” (Lagen om vård av missbrukare i vissa fall). It is a Swedish law that allows the authorities to apply for compulsory care for individuals with severe substance abuse problems. Below are 100 common questions and answers about what the law means and how the process works.
1. What does LVM stand for?
The Law on the Care of Addicts in Certain Cases.
2. What is the purpose of LVM?
To protect individuals with severe substance abuse from harming themselves or others.
3. When can LVM be applied?
When voluntary care is not possible and the substance abuse poses a serious risk.
4. Who can apply for LVM care?
The municipal social welfare board (socialnämnden).
5. Can a private person apply for LVM?
No, but you can report concerns to social services.
6. What is a report of concern (orosanmälan)?
A notification to social services that someone may need help.
7. What counts as substance abuse under LVM?
Severe dependence on alcohol, narcotics, or inhalants.
8. Does LVM apply to gambling addiction?
No, it applies only to chemical dependency.
9. Who decides on LVM care?
The Administrative Court (förvaltningsrätten).
10. What is the Administrative Court?
A court that handles compulsory care cases.
11. Can social services decide on immediate custody?
Yes, in urgent situations.
12. What is immediate custody (omedelbart omhändertagande)?
When social services take a person into care without a court decision.
13. How long can immediate custody last?
A maximum of four weeks without a court ruling.
14. What happens after immediate custody?
The court decides whether the care should continue.
15. Is the person entitled to legal representation?
Yes, a public legal counsel.
16. Who pays for the public counsel?
The state.
17. Can the person reject the appointed counsel?
Yes, they can request a replacement.
18. What if the person objects to the care?
The court will still assess whether care should be ordered.
19. What is the goal of compulsory care under LVM?
To motivate the person to seek voluntary treatment and break life-threatening addiction.
20. How long can LVM care last?
A maximum of six months.
21. Can the care period be extended?
No, but a new application can be submitted if needed.
22. Can the person be discharged earlier?
Yes, if the need for care no longer exists.
23. Where does LVM care take place?
At special LVM institutions (LVM-hem).
24. What is an LVM institution?
A state-run treatment center.
25. Who operates the LVM institutions?
The Swedish National Board of Institutional Care (Statens institutionsstyrelse, SiS).
26. Can the person receive visitors?
Yes, but restrictions may apply for security reasons.
27. Can the person contact the outside world?
Yes, but there may be limitations.
28. Can the person have a mobile phone?
Not always; it depends on the institution’s rules.
29. Can the decision be appealed?
Yes, to the Administrative Court of Appeal (Kammarrätten).
30. How long do you have to appeal?
Three weeks from the date of the decision.
31. What is the Administrative Court of Appeal?
The second level of appeal in administrative law cases.
32. Can you request permission to appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court?
Yes, but it is rarely granted.
33. Can the police bring someone to LVM care?
Yes, if the court or social services orders it.
34. What is transport to LVM care?
When the police or care staff escort the person to the institution.
35. Can the person escape from LVM care?
Yes, but they can be returned.
36. Can staff restrain individuals at LVM institutions?
Yes, to prevent harm in certain situations.
37. Can the person be forced to take medication?
No, unless other legal grounds apply.
38. Is treatment provided at LVM institutions?
Yes, such as therapy and motivational programs.
39. Is the care medical or social?
Primarily social, with some medical support.
40. Can the person leave the facility during care?
Sometimes, under supervision.
41. What is leave (permission)?
Temporary permission to leave the institution.
42. Who grants leave?
The institution’s director.
43. Can leave be revoked?
Yes, if there is a risk of relapse.
44. Can the person see their children during care?
Yes, if deemed appropriate.
45. Can parents be subjected to LVM?
Yes, if their addiction poses a serious risk.
46. Can LVM be combined with other care?
Yes, such as outpatient treatment.
47. What happens after LVM care ends?
Planning for continued voluntary care.
48. Is the person required to participate in aftercare?
No, it is voluntary.
49. Can the person be placed in LVM care again?
Yes, if a new need arises.
50. How common is LVM in Sweden?
Around 1,000–1,500 people are placed in LVM care each year.
51. Can family members provide support during care?
Yes, if appropriate.
52. Can family members influence the decision?
No, but they can provide information to social services.
53. Is LVM voluntary?
No, it is compulsory care.
54. Is LVM a punishment?
No, it is a care measure.
55. Can the person work while in LVM care?
No, it is full-time care.
56. Can the person study during LVM care?
It depends on the care plan.
57. Can social services decide on the type of care?
Yes, but the court decides whether LVM applies.
58. Can doctors report to social services?
Yes, they are required to report concerns.
59. What is LVU?
The law on the care of young people (Lagen om vård av unga).
60. Is LVM the same as LVU?
No, they apply to different groups.
61. Can LVM involve police intervention?
Yes, to enforce care decisions.
62. What is care planning?
Planning the content and goals of the care.
63. Who is responsible for care planning?
Social services and the LVM institution.
64. What is a care plan?
A document outlining how the care will be carried out.
65. Can the person influence the care plan?
Yes, they can provide input.
66. What are coercive measures (tvångsåtgärder)?
Actions taken without the person’s consent.
67. Can the person be locked in?
Yes, confinement is part of compulsory care.
68. Can the person be placed in isolation?
Yes, if necessary for safety or order.
69. What is confinement?
Being unable to leave the institution.
70. Can the person wear their own clothes?
Yes, unless specific reasons prevent it.
71. Can the person have personal money?
Yes, but usage may be restricted.
72. What is withdrawal care (abstinensvård)?
Medical treatment for withdrawal symptoms.
73. Can LVM apply to people without addiction?
No, only to those with severe substance abuse.
74. What is a substance abuse assessment?
An assessment by social services to evaluate care needs.
75. Can the person refuse to participate in the assessment?
Yes, but it may affect the outcome.
76. What is a medical certificate (vårdintyg)?
A doctor’s statement confirming the need for care.
77. Can the court decide on LVM without a medical certificate?
No, it is required.
78. What is an attendance order (inställelseorder)?
An order to report to the institution.
79. What happens if the person does not comply?
The police may be sent to bring them in.
80. What is a transport order (transportbeslut)?
An order for the police to transport the person.
81. Can a transport order be appealed?
No.
82. Can the person smoke at the institution?
It varies by facility.
83. Can the person bring pets?
No.
84. What is the purpose of the care period?
To break the addiction and motivate the person for voluntary treatment.
85. Can the person request discharge?
No, it is compulsory care.
86. What happens if the person tries to leave without permission?
They can be brought back.
87. Can social services contact family members?
Yes, with the person’s consent.
88. What is relapse prevention?
Efforts to reduce the risk of returning to substance use.
89. Can the person receive medical care at the institution?
Yes, if needed.
90. Can LVM be combined with prison care?
Yes, in certain situations.
91. What is SiS?
The Swedish National Board of Institutional Care.
92. Can the person be placed in other care forms than LVM institutions?
In some cases, such as outpatient care.
93. What is a care chain (vårdkedja)?
Cooperation between different care providers.
94. What is voluntary aftercare?
Support and treatment after compulsory care ends.
95. Is participation in aftercare mandatory?
No, it is voluntary.
96. What is reintegration (utslussning)?
Planned transition from compulsory to voluntary care.
97. Can social services require drug tests after LVM?
No, but tests can be offered voluntarily.
98. What is a placement decision (placeringsbeslut)?
A decision about which institution the person will go to.
99. Can the person choose the institution?
No, SiS decides.
100. Why is legal advice important in LVM cases?
To understand your rights and protect your interests.
