This guide is informational. Always verify how the rules apply to your specific case.
Short answer: An LVM report is information provided to the social welfare board indicating that an adult has such a severe ongoing abuse of alcohol, drugs, or volatile solvents that compulsory care under the Act (1988:870) on the Care of Substance Abusers in Certain Cases may be necessary. Private individuals can report concerns. Certain authorities and doctors have a duty to report under Section 6 of the LVM. The report is not a decision on compulsion. The administrative court decides on care.
What is an LVM report?
LVM complements the Social Services Act when the person who needs care for substance abuse does not voluntarily participate. A report under Section 6 should be made to the social welfare board in the municipality where the person resides or is registered. Many municipalities receive it through the same channel as an adult concern report – but the content should be concrete: substance, duration, damages, why voluntary care does not work.
Adult concern reports and LVM reports overlap. The difference is the threshold. LVM requires ongoing abuse, that care cannot be provided under the Social Services Act, and serious health danger, obvious risk of ruining life, or feared serious harm to oneself or relatives. Read the LVM criteria.
How to make an LVM report
- Contact the social services in the person's municipality. Seek adult/substance abuse reception or social emergency services. In life-threatening situations: 112.
- Write concretely. Which substance, how often, which dates, overdoses, eviction, violence, lack of food, children in the household. Avoid diagnoses you cannot substantiate.
- State if you are a relative, neighbor, or professional. Doctors and certain authorities have a duty to report. Private individuals normally do not, but may still report.
- Ask about anonymity before providing your name if you are a private individual and need it. Professional reports cannot always be anonymous.
- Request confirmation that the information has been received. Expect that confidentiality limits feedback.
An oral report in urgent cases should be supplemented in writing. This makes the documentation unambiguous.
What happens after the report?
- Reception: the social services assess whether an LVM investigation should be initiated.
- Investigation: interviews, previous interventions, possible medical examination.
- Voluntary care first: LVM should not be used if the need can be met under the Social Services Act.
- Application: the social welfare board can apply for compulsory care with the administrative court.
- Court: the administrative court decides. A public counsel is normally appointed.
In case of acute deterioration, the social welfare board can decide on immediate custody which must quickly be submitted to the court.
If you have been reported under LVM
A report is not evidence. You have the right to understand the matter sufficiently to be able to respond to it. Do not outright refuse all help in panic—specifying what you can voluntarily accept may affect whether Section 4, point 2 (that care cannot be provided in any other way) is fulfilled.
- Request written notice: is it being investigated under LVM or regular SoL?
- Request journal notes and possibly a medical certificate.
- Bring a support person.
- Document meetings. See recording.
- If the handling is deficient: report to the Parliamentary Ombudsman (JO).
Common questions about LVM reporting
What does an LVM report entail?
It is information to the social welfare board that someone may need compulsory care due to serious substance abuse. It is not a care decision. The Administrative Court decides on LVM.
Can anyone make an LVM report?
Yes, as a private individual, you can report concerns. Certain authorities and doctors are obliged to report according to Section 6 when they encounter someone in their work who may need LVM.
What happens if one receives LVM?
The Administrative Court can decide on compulsory care, usually at an LVM home. The care should motivate voluntary continued treatment. In urgent cases, the social welfare board can take immediate custody.
Is LVM the same as a concern report for adults?
No. A concern report is a broader signal. LVM has higher requirements and its own law. Many cases start as concern reports and become LVM investigations later.
Sources
- Act (1988:870) on the Care of Abusers in Certain Cases
- Knowledge Guide: Handling according to LVM
- Concern report for adults
Last fact-checked: August 17, 2026. The guide is general information and does not replace assistance in the individual case.
