Misinformation campaign in Gothenburg raises concerns over social services and Muslim children in Sweden

The so-called LVU campaign began in Gothenburg in 2021, spreading misinformation on social media that claimed social services were abducting Muslim children. This campaign has negatively impacted the security situation in Sweden, causing anxiety among parents and leading social workers to feel threatened.

The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare has investigated claims regarding the overrepresentation of children with Muslim backgrounds among those taken into care by social services. Annika Öquist, a department head at the Board, stated that at a group level, there is no basis for these claims. The study reveals that when comparing children with similar backgrounds, those with parents from Muslim countries are 50% less likely to be taken into care than those with Swedish-born parents. This applies to both voluntary and involuntary placements.

According to the report, socioeconomic factors are more significant than ethnicity in determining care placements. Öquist emphasized the need to understand why children from foreign backgrounds are underrepresented and how better access to societal resources, such as healthcare and social services, can be ensured.

The study, which includes data on 3.8 million children born between 1991 and 2020, found that 5% of all children are placed outside of their homes at some point, with two-thirds being placed during their teenage years. Most placements are voluntary; however, 1.5% experience involuntary placements before turning 20.

Results show that socioeconomic status significantly influences the likelihood of placement, with children from immigrant backgrounds residing in areas facing severe socioeconomic challenges being more commonly placed unless socioeconomic differences are considered. The report highlights the importance of social services improving outreach to children from foreign backgrounds to provide necessary protection.