When a child is taken into care under LVU, the Swedish Care of Young Persons Act (Lag med särskilda bestämmelser om vård av unga), it is one of the most serious interventions that Swedish social services (socialtjänsten) can make.
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As a parent, it’s common to wonder:
“Have I lost custody?”
“Can I get my child back?”
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This article explains how custody and parental rights work in Sweden under LVU, and what you can do as a parent to be reunited with your child.
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Do I lose custody when my child is placed under LVU?
No. When a child is placed in care under LVU, you do not automatically lose legal custody. The municipal social welfare board takes over responsibility for the child’s care, but you remain the legal guardian unless a separate court decision transfers custody.
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As the legal guardian in Sweden, you still have the right to:
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Make important decisions (e.g. name, passport, religion, schooling)
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Be informed and involved in planning for the child
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Represent your child in legal or administrative matters
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However, the day-to-day care is handled by the foster family, residential home (HVB), or social services – not by the parent.
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Can I get my child back?
Yes. LVU is meant to be a temporary measure. Swedish social services are required to regularly review whether the care is still needed. As a parent, you also have the right to request that the care be terminated at any time.
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To bring your child home again, you need to show that:
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The risk that led to the LVU placement is no longer present
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You can provide a safe and stable home environment
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It is in the best interests of the child
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What can I do as a parent?
Here are some key steps to demonstrate that you are ready to care for your child again:
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1. Cooperate with social services
Show that you are open to working with them and accepting help.
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2. Follow the care plan
If there is a care plan with goals (such as getting treatment, improving housing, or managing finances), show progress.
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3. Maintain good contact with your child
If you have visitation rights, use them. Be on time, engaged, and sensitive to your child’s needs.
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4. Request to end the care
You can submit a formal request to the social welfare board (socialnämnden). If they refuse, you have the right to appeal to the administrative court (förvaltningsrätten).
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How often is LVU reviewed?
By law, the social welfare board must review the LVU placement at least every six months. At each review, they must assess whether continued care is still necessary.
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When is legal custody actually transferred away from the parent?
If social services believe that the child cannot return home within a reasonable time, they may apply for a custody transfer (vårdnadsöverflyttning) to the foster home.
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This is a separate legal process, handled in the district court (tingsrätten).
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Usually, a custody transfer requires:
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That the child has lived in the foster home for at least three years
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That the parent has not shown sufficient improvement
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That the transfer is considered best for the child’s long-term stability
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Summary
When a child is placed under LVU in Sweden, it does not mean the parent automatically loses legal custody. You still have legal rights and can work toward bringing your child home.
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To end the care, you must show that the risks have decreased and that your home is now safe and stable. With the right support and cooperation, many parents in Sweden are able to reunite with their children after LVU.
