Danish audit finds systemic failures in child protection cases

A new investigation by Denmark’s national audit office reveals that nearly 70 percent of child placement cases violate key legal requirements, prompting sharp criticism from the country’s public auditors.

The report, published by Rigsrevisionen and reviewed by the Statsrevisorerne (Parliamentary Auditors), found that in 69 percent of cases, municipalities failed to comply with at least one statutory obligation when placing children outside their homes. The audit covered 3,148 placements—roughly 40 percent of all new cases between 2022 and 2024—and examined core legal standards such as timely child welfare assessments, follow-ups, individual care plans, and supervision visits.

Mette Abildgaard (Conservative), chair of the Parliamentary Auditors, described the findings as a “failure spanning many years” affecting vulnerable children. “This is extremely serious,” she stated at a press briefing, noting that the criticism represents the second-highest severity level in the auditors’ framework.

Legal expert Bente Adolphsen, specialising in child welfare, warned that even minor breaches could have severe consequences. “While some violations may involve minor deadline overruns, the sheer volume means we cannot rule out serious harm to these children,” she said. Failures could delay necessary placements or result in unnecessary removals from homes, she added, calling the systemic non-compliance “a major problem either way.”

Adolphsen criticised the persistent lack of enforcement over two decades: “It’s not just that the law hasn’t been followed for 20 years—it’s that we’ve had repeated documentation of this, yet still don’t know how to ensure compliance. This does not reflect well on Denmark.”

The auditors directed criticism at both municipalities for non-compliance and the Social and Housing Ministry for inadequate oversight. While the ministry declined to comment, it confirmed plans to submit a formal response to the auditors following the formation of a new government.

In Langeland Municipality, every audited case (100 percent) involving timely child welfare assessments contained legal violations. Conservative mayor Jørgen Nielsen acknowledged “serious, long-standing problems” but claimed recent reforms—including a 60 percent staffing increase in the family services department—had resolved the issues. He attributed past failures to “poor leadership and recruitment challenges” and pledged to restore public trust in the system.

The Rigsrevisionen operates independently under Parliament, assisting the politically appointed Statsrevisorerne in auditing state accounts. Neither body receives instructions from the government or Parliament on how to conduct their work.