In Sweden, when a child is placed in compulsory care under the LVU Act (Care of Young Persons Act – Lag med särskilda bestämmelser om vård av unga), it is sometimes the child who says:
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“I want to go home.”
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But what does Swedish law say about that? Can a child decide where they want to live? And can the parents get the child back just because the child asks for it?
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This article explains what happens in Sweden when a child in LVU care expresses the wish to return home.
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What Is LVU?
LVU is a Swedish law that allows social services to place a child in care without the parents’ consent, if there is a serious risk to the child’s health or development. This can be because of conditions at home or the child’s own behavior.
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LVU is not permanent. It should only last as long as necessary to protect the child.
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Can the Child Decide?
Not alone. But in Sweden, a child’s own views must be heard, especially if the child is older.
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According to Swedish law (Föräldrabalken, Chapter 6, Section 2a), the child’s opinion should be taken into account based on their age and maturity. If the child is 12 years or older, their opinion carries significant weight. Children who are 15 or older have specific legal rights under LVU.
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Still, the child’s wish is not enough by itself. The decision must be based on what is best for the child overall.
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What Happens if the Child Says “I Want to Go Home”?
If a child in LVU care tells social services or others they want to go home:
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Social services must listen and document the child’s statement.
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A new risk assessment may be done to see if the home environment is now safe.
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If the child is 15 or older, they can formally request to end the care and appeal to the administrative court (förvaltningsrätten).
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Can the Child Appeal the LVU?
Yes – but only if the child is 15 years or older. According to the LVU Act (Section 41):
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A child who is 15 or older can request to end the care.
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They can appeal the decision if the request is denied.
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Children under 15 cannot appeal on their own, but their wishes must still be considered by the authorities.
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What Can the Parent Do?
If your child in LVU care says they want to come home, you can:
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Ask social services for a new review of the situation.
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Request that the care ends, if you believe the problems have been resolved.
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Support your child in expressing their opinion safely and respectfully.
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Speak with your lawyer (public counsel) to begin the legal process.
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What Is Needed for the Child to Return?
To end the LVU care and bring the child home, the authorities must believe that:
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The serious risk is no longer present.
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The home is safe, stable, and supportive.
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The parent can take proper responsibility for the child.
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The child’s wish to return can be met without causing harm.
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Summary
In Sweden, if a child in LVU care wants to come home, their voice matters – but it is not the only factor. The law requires that all decisions focus on the child’s best interests. If both the child and the parent are ready for reunification, and if the situation has improved, it may be possible to start the process of bringing the child home.
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Legal help and cooperation with social services are often key to making that happen.
