Ivo finds child-placement shortcomings in 97% of municipalities

Nearly all Swedish municipalities have shortcomings in their work with children and young people placed in care, a national inspection has found, according to SVT. The Health and Social Care Inspectorate (Ivo) found deficiencies in 97% of the municipalities it reviewed.

Almost nine in 10 municipalities need to improve how they handle reports of concern about children. Two-thirds had shortcomings in checks before placing children and young people in foster homes or privately run facilities.

“There is a need for development to ensure that children and young people receive the protection and support they need,” Ivo Director-General John Ahlberk said.

Ivo carried out the inspection between 2024 and 2026, examining how municipalities handle concern reports, check placements, follow up on placements and conduct their own reviews. It gathered information from municipalities across Sweden.

Of the 303 municipalities and city districts reviewed, 295 had shortcomings of varying degrees. Twenty-eight percent had deficiencies in all four areas, while 33% had shortcomings in three. Eight municipalities had no deficiencies in the areas examined.

Ahlberk said the inspection did not examine why shortcomings were so widespread, but noted that municipal social services have a broad and complex remit. He said many municipalities carried out initial safety assessments when needed and reviewed the reasons for placements as often as required.

All municipalities have reported to Ivo on measures they have taken or plan to take. Because the shortcomings were widespread and involved serious risks, Ivo said it would follow up to check that the measures are implemented and have a concrete effect for children and young people.