The Swedish law LVU is an abbreviation of the Care of Young Persons Act (SFS 1990:52). It gives social services in the county you and your children live in the power to act to protect children and young people under the age of 21. Most of the help social services offer to children and parents is voluntary but at times voluntary actions are not enough or have been exhausted.
There are two main situations when the act can be used. They are 2 § LVU consisting of problems in the home and 3 § LVU concerning problems with the child or young person him- or herself. In the first case, 2 § LVU, Social Services is of the opinion that the parents faulter in some way, there are signs of physical and/or psychological abuse or neglect. The second case, 3 § LVU, encompass situations when the child or young person risks his or her own health and development due to drug use, criminal or otherwise anti-social behavior.
Religion cannot be a cause for forced care. However, some practices, that in some cases are considered religious by some peoples, such as female genital mutilation, can lead to forced care. There has to be something dangerous and damaging to the child’s health and development. Having and practicing a certain religion is in and of itself not a grounds for forced care.
Sometimes, the child or young person is considered to be in such immediate danger that a decision of immediate forced care can be made. In those cases, Social Services have to act quickly to have the decision tried by the Administrative Court.
How can we help you?
We can provide you with advise, support and legal assistance in case you are in a situation where LVU-care may be decided. Contact us to find out more!