Can mental illness lead to LVU in Sweden?
Yes. If a parent’s mental illness – such as clinical depression, psychosis, or severe anxiety – affects their ability to care for the child or creates an unsafe home environment, Swedish social services may consider taking action under LVU. The key factor is not the diagnosis itself, but how it impacts the child’s safety, emotional well-being, and care.
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Examples of risk factors:
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The parent is so depressed they cannot meet the child’s basic needs.
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The child is exposed to neglect or emotional harm.
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There is a risk of self-harm or violence in the home.
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The parent refuses treatment or support.
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Is mental illness alone enough for LVU?
No. Under Swedish law, a child should not be taken into care solely because the parent has a psychiatric diagnosis. Authorities must first consider voluntary support measures, such as in-home services, mental health treatment, and parenting support. Compulsory care under LVU is a last resort.
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What can a parent do?
If you are struggling with mental health issues in Sweden, but wish to avoid LVU intervention, it’s important to:
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Accept voluntary support from social services (socialtjänsten).
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Participate in treatment and medication if prescribed.
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Ensure your child’s needs – food, safety, emotional support – are met.
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Show cooperation with Swedish authorities and health professionals.
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The goal is to demonstrate that you are still capable of providing safe and stable parenting despite your illness.
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How does an LVU process work in Sweden?
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Social services conduct an investigation under the Social Services Act (SoL).
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If they identify risk, they may apply for emergency care (interim LVU).
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Within a week, the case must be reviewed by an administrative court (förvaltningsrätt).
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The parent is assigned a public legal counsel (offentligt biträde).
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The court decides whether the child should remain in care under LVU.
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Can I get my child back?
Yes. Even if your child has been placed in care under LVU, you can get them back if you show that the situation has improved. That may involve:
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Engaging in mental health treatment.
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Demonstrating stable living conditions.
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Proving that the child is no longer at risk.
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The social welfare board (socialnämnden) must review the care decision every six months, and you have the right to request an end to the care at any time.
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Summary
Parental mental health problems – including depression – can lead to LVU in Sweden, but only if they seriously impact the child’s well-being. The legal focus is not on the illness itself, but on how it affects your parenting ability. With support and treatment, it is often possible to keep or regain custody of your child, even after an LVU placement.
