If you live in Sweden and are worried that social services might take your child, this guide will help you understand what LVU means and when it can be used. LVU is a Swedish law that lets social services place a child in care if they are in danger or not getting the care they need.
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What Is LVU?
LVU stands for “Law on Care of Young Persons” (Lagen om vård av unga). It allows Swedish social services to take a child into care — with or without the parents’ permission — if the child is at serious risk.
This can happen in two ways:
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Voluntarily: If the parents agree.
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By force (compulsory care): If the parents do not agree, but social services believe the child is in danger.
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What Is an LVU Placement?
If a child is taken into care under LVU, they are placed outside their home. There are different types of placements depending on the child’s needs:
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Foster Home (Familjehem): The child lives with another family, like a regular home environment. The foster parents are trained to care for children in need.
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HVB Home (Care or Residence Home): This is a group home where several young people live together with staff present. It is used when the child needs more structure or supervision.
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SiS Institution: For children with very serious problems, such as criminal behavior or dangerous substance use, they may be placed in a locked care facility run by the state.
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The goal of LVU placements is always to protect the child and give them a safe place to grow and develop. In many cases, the aim is also to help the family improve so the child can return home.
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When Can LVU Be Used?
LVU can be used when there are serious problems in the home or with the child. These are the most common reasons:
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1. LVU for Abuse or Violence in the Home
If a child is being hit, threatened, or hurt at home — physically, mentally, or sexually — social services can take the child into care.
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Example: If there are police reports about violence in the home, or a doctor finds signs of abuse.
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2. LVU for Parents with Drug or Alcohol Problems
If a parent uses drugs or drinks too much, and this affects the child’s safety or daily care, LVU may be used.
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Example: If the parent forgets to feed the child, doesn’t clean the home, or is too drunk or high to care for the child.
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3. LVU for Mental Health Problems in Parents
If a parent has serious mental health issues and cannot give the child safe, stable care, social services may step in.
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Example: If a parent is very depressed, paranoid, or behaves unpredictably, and the child suffers because of it.
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4. LVU for Neglect (Lack of Proper Care)
If the child’s basic needs are not met — like food, clothing, hygiene, or love — social services can use LVU to protect the child.
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Example: If the child is often left alone, is always dirty or hungry, or misses school without reason.
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5. LVU Because of the Child’s Own Behavior
Sometimes, the problem is not with the parents — but with the child. If a child is using drugs, breaking the law, or hurting themselves, LVU can be used if the parents can’t manage the situation.
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Example: A teenager who uses drugs, runs away, or gets into serious trouble with the police.
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The LVU Process: What Happens?
If social services believe a child is at risk, they will start an investigation. They will talk to:
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The child
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The parents
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Other people, like teachers, doctors, or relatives
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Emergency LVU (Immediate Care)
If social services believe the child is in immediate danger, they can remove the child right away — even without a court decision. This is called emergency LVU.
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They must then go to the administrative court (förvaltningsrätten) within a few days. The court decides if the child should stay in care or go home.
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How Can You Prevent an LVU Case?
If you are a parent and social services are involved:
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Try to cooperate with social services (socialltjänsten)
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Get help for problems like addiction or mental health
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Accept support they offer
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Important: If you hear that social services want to take your child, contact a lawyer immediately. You have the right to a lawyer, and the state will pay for it.
