Legal help with a report of concern

What is a report of concern?

A report of concern is submitted to social services when someone knows or suspects that a child may be at risk of harm. Under Swedish law, proof is not required to make a report, but the person reporting the concern should describe their observations as clearly and specifically as possible.

Members of the public are encouraged to report concerns about a child. Professionals in schools, healthcare, and certain government agencies have a legal duty to report immediately if they learn or suspect that a child may be at risk in the course of their work.

A report may concern suspected:

• violence, abuse, or neglect
• substance abuse or serious mental health problems in the family
• inadequate care or an unsafe home environment
• behavior that places the child at serious risk.

A report does not automatically mean that the information is correct or that the child will be removed from the home. Social services must assess the child’s circumstances and need for protection or support.

What happens after a report of concern?

When social services receives a report about a child, it first determines whether the child needs immediate protection. Social services then decides whether to open an investigation.

Social services may contact the child, the child’s guardians, and other people who have information about the situation. If an investigation is opened, social services gathers the information needed to assess the child’s needs.

The process may result in:

• the matter being closed without an investigation
• voluntary support being offered to the family
• an investigation followed by support measures
• more extensive protective measures being considered if the child faces a serious risk.

The report itself is not an official decision and cannot be appealed. Any right to appeal depends on the decisions made later in the case.

Your rights as a parent

As a guardian, you will generally be informed about the investigation and given an opportunity to describe your and your child’s circumstances. You may provide information, respond to allegations, and submit documents relevant to the assessment.

Depending on the circumstances, you may:

• ask what the reported concerns and investigation involve
• provide your account of what happened
• request access to case documents, subject to confidentiality restrictions
• have a lawyer assist you in your contact with social services
• request an interpreter if needed.

If you believe that the report contains incorrect or misleading information, respond factually and support your account with relevant documentation whenever possible.

If you are concerned about a child

You do not need to be certain that a child is being harmed before contacting social services. The report should be submitted to social services in the municipality where the child lives and may be made verbally or in writing.

A private individual may remain anonymous by withholding their identity. A professional making a report under a legal reporting duty cannot remain anonymous.

Reporting concerns about an adult

The rules for reporting concerns about children do not apply in the same way to adults. However, you may still contact the municipality, social services, or a healthcare provider if you are concerned about an adult because of:

• mental illness
• substance abuse
• domestic violence
• an inability to meet their basic needs.

The support available depends on the person’s circumstances and whether they agree to receive help. Separate Swedish laws may apply if the legal requirements for involuntary care are met.