A Step-by-Step Overview for Parents in Växjö Municipality
Going through an LVU case (Swedish law for Compulsory Care of Young Persons) can be a complicated and emotionally overwhelming experience — especially for foreign parents living in Sweden. In Växjö Municipality, this process involves multiple steps and actors, including social services, municipal welfare boards, and the Administrative Court in Växjö (“Förvaltningsrätten i Växjö”).
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This guide offers a practical overview of how the LVU process works in Växjö, with a focus on the rights and role of the biological parent.
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1. The Role of Social Services in Växjö
The social services (“socialtjänsten”) in Växjö have the primary responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of children and young people. When there are serious concerns about a child’s home situation, social workers may begin an investigation. If voluntary support measures are not enough, and the child is considered to be at risk, they may recommend compulsory care under the LVU Act.
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In recent years, Växjö has focused heavily on early intervention. This has led to a 50% reduction in the number of children taken into LVU care since 2019. The municipality has redirected resources to support families earlier — including more school social workers, home visits for new parents, and collaboration with child health services.
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2. Decision-Making by the Municipal Welfare Board
If social services believe that compulsory care is necessary, they prepare a formal case to be reviewed by the Municipal Board for Work and Welfare (“Nämnden för arbete och välfärd”). This political body is responsible for authorizing whether an application for LVU care should be submitted to the Administrative Court (“förvaltningsrätten”).
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For legal security, decisions must be well-documented and clearly motivated. A 2024 internal audit of LVU procedures in Växjö revealed serious shortcomings. For example:
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Out of 23 decisions under Section 11 of the LVU Act, 17 lacked a proper written motivation
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7 lacked instructions on how to appeal
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This highlights the importance of transparency, clarity, and proper documentation in decision-making.
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3. Legal Review by the Administrative Court in Växjö
Once the municipal board approves the application, the case is submitted to the Administrative Court in Växjö, which has the legal authority to decide whether the conditions for compulsory care are met.
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The court reviews:
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The investigation from social services
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Statements from the child and the biological parent(s)
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Any additional documents or objections from legal representatives
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During the court hearing, both the parent(s) and the child (depending on age) have the right to present their side, often with the help of a legal representative (“ombud” or “offentlig biträde”) provided free of charge.
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If the court approves the LVU application, responsibility for the child’s care returns to the social services, who will determine the appropriate placement and care plan — often in a foster home (“familjehem”).
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4. Follow-Up and Legal Oversight
To protect the legal rights of families and children, there must be ongoing review and quality control of LVU cases.
Recent reviews in Växjö have shown a need for improvement in several areas:
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Clearer division of responsibility between different departments
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Better documentation of decisions
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Systematic tracking of outcomes for children in care
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Växjö Municipality has committed to improving these areas, with the goal of ensuring that children receive support and protection in a legally secure and effective manner.
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Final Thoughts
The LVU process in Växjö involves multiple steps and decision-makers — from the first social services investigation to municipal and court decisions. While it can feel overwhelming, especially for foreign parents, you do have rights throughout the process.
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If you are facing an LVU investigation or your child has already been placed in care:
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Take legal assistance as early as possible
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Ask for documentation and ensure you understand every step
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Be actively involved in hearings and care planning
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Show that you are willing and able to improve your situation, if needed
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Växjö Municipality emphasizes early support and family-oriented solutions. If your situation has changed and you are ready to reunite with your child, there are legal ways to request this — such as a reunification request (“hemtagningsbegäran”).
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Sources and Further Reading (in Swedish):
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Need legal help or language support for your LVU case in Sweden? We can help you find an English-speaking lawyer (advokat) who specializes in family law and LVU proceedings. Let’s make sure your rights and your child’s best interests are protected.
