According to information from the Swedish social services, approximately 3,500 decisions regarding compulsory care under the LVU (Act with Special Provisions on the Care of Young People) were made in Sweden in 2023. This figure includes both emergency interventions and longer-term care decisions under the law.
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But what do these numbers really mean? What is an LVU intervention, and how does the social services system operate when it decides to intervene in a child’s life?
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In this article, we explain what an LVU decision involves, why the number of such decisions may fluctuate from year to year, and what you as a parent should know.
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What is LVU?
LVU is a Swedish law that allows for compulsory care when a child or young person is at risk of harm and voluntary support measures are not enough. The law can be applied in cases such as:
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Inadequate care in the home
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Parental substance abuse, violence, or mental illness
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Serious behavioral problems in the child
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In such situations, the social services can apply for compulsory care under LVU, and the decision is made by an administrative court. In urgent cases, a child may be taken into care immediately without prior court approval.
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3,500 Decisions on Compulsory Care – Is That a Lot?
Around 3,500 LVU decisions in one year means that, on average, nearly 10 children per day are placed in care under LVU in Sweden. This includes:
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Emergency interventions (urgent decisions)
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Long-term LVU decisions following court rulings
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Extensions or new evaluations of ongoing care cases
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It is important to note that one child can be the subject of more than one decision during the year, meaning that the number does not always reflect the exact number of individual children affected.
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Why Do LVU Decisions Increase or Decrease in Certain Years?
The number of LVU decisions is influenced by several factors:
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Resources and priorities of the social services
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Increased reporting from schools, healthcare providers, or others
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Societal developments, such as rising mental health issues, domestic violence, or substance abuse
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Legal or procedural changes in how the law is applied
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What Does an LVU Decision Mean for the Child and the Parent?
A child placed under LVU can be placed in:
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A foster home (familjehem)
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A residential care home (HVB-hem)
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A secure youth home (SiS institution)
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The parents do not automatically lose their legal custody, but the social welfare committee assumes responsibility for the child’s care and daily life.
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LVU placements are always intended to be temporary and must be reviewed regularly. In most cases, the goal is for the child to be reunited with their family—if it is in the child’s best interest.
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What Can You Do as a Parent?
If your child has been placed in care under LVU, you have the right to:
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Receive a public legal representative (lawyer) free of charge
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Participate in investigations and care planning
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Request that the care be terminated
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Appeal the decision to the administrative court
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It is often possible to have your child returned home—if the risks have been reduced and you can demonstrate that you can provide a safe and stable environment.
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Summary
The fact that approximately 3,500 LVU decisions were made in Sweden in 2023 shows that the state intervenes in many children’s lives each year to protect them from serious harm. But behind every number is a family, a child, and a hope for change.
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If you as a parent are involved in an LVU process, it is essential to understand your rights and seek legal support as early as possible.
