This guide is informational. Always verify how the rules apply to your specific case.
You are here: 4/8 in the series Report of concern to social services: your step-by-step guide
An investigation according to the Social Services Act (SoL) is the social services' way of assessing whether the child needs protection, support, or interventions. It is not a criminal investigation and does not automatically involve coercion. Approximately half of all reports of concern lead to an investigation; the rest are often closed after a preliminary assessment.
Previous step: address the report objectively. Next: home visit.
What is a SoL Investigation?
The investigation aims to clarify the child's situation and whether the family needs support. The caseworker gathers information from you, the child (if age and maturity allow), school, healthcare, police, and others who know the family. The result is often a written analysis that forms the basis for decisions on support, closure, or in some cases, further examination according to LVU (the Act with Special Provisions on the Care of Young Persons).
The social services must work based on the best interests of the child (Chapter 11, Section 1 of the Social Services Act, SoL). You have the right to access large parts of the investigation material through a request for public documents and file inspection in an ongoing case.
Difference from LVU and coercion
| SoL investigation | LVU / coercion | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Support, protection, voluntary measures | Placement or coercion when SoL is insufficient |
| Basis | The child's need for protection/support | Serious harm to health/development, or dangerous environment |
| Form | Often open measures, contact, family support | Custody, placement, often court |
The fact that a SoL investigation is ongoing does not mean that LVU is the next step. Many cases are concluded with voluntary support or without intervention.
If the social services explicitly start talking about compulsory care, ask to know what specific risk and what basis is being considered. Start in the LVU hub and read in case of an urgent decision what happens in the event of immediate custody.
Timeframes: the four-month rule
The Social Welfare Board must make a decision in the matter as soon as possible, and no later than four months, according to Chapter 12, Section 10 of the Social Services Act (SoL). An extension requires special reasons. The Parliamentary Ombudsman (JO) has in several cases criticized municipalities that allow investigations to drag on without a clear analysis.
If the investigation takes a long time: request a written statement on the status, what information is missing, and when a decision is expected. Save emails and responses.
What the investigation usually assesses (BBIC-like areas)
Many municipalities use structures similar to BBIC (Barnets Behov i Centrum, or the child's needs in focus). The questions often concern:
- Health and development: physical and mental health, disabilities, substance abuse.
- Education: school attendance, results, need for support.
- Emotions and behavior: the child's well-being, relationships, risk behavior.
- Social relationships: family, network, violence, conflicts.
- Identity: gender identity, culture, belonging (if relevant).
- Family and environment: housing, economy, routines, safety at home.
- Parental ability: care, boundaries, cooperation regarding the child.
This is not a checklist you must "pass." It is the social services' framework for understanding the child's situation. Your answers should be honest about the facts, but you do not need to fill in gaps for them with speculation.
Before investigation: what you can do
- Request a concrete description of the concern and what information is already available.
- Request access to the report and submitted documents (public document / case review).
- Write a timeline with dates, meetings, medical visits, school emails.
- Book a support person for meetings. See support person at authority meeting.
- Consider recording if the law permits. See recording meetings with authorities.
- Send follow-up emails after conversations. See template for follow-up emails.
During investigation
Meetings with caseworkers
Prepare with checklist before meeting with social services. Bring attachments, not just verbal explanations.
Child interviews
Children have the right to be heard. Ask what the conversation will cover, how long it will be, and if the child wants you nearby. Children should not be pressured to choose sides.
Information from school, healthcare, and police
You can request to know what information has been gathered and comment on it in writing if it is incorrect or incomplete.
Home Visits
See the dedicated guide: home visit checklist and answers.
Access to Records and Corrections
Read drafts and notes. Request corrections of incorrect information. See corrections and additions in the social services investigation and request public documents.
Common Outcomes
- Closure without intervention: the concern is assessed not to lead to a need for intervention.
- Voluntary support: family support, contact person, outpatient care, cooperation with school.
- Continued follow-up: the case remains open with scheduled meetings.
- Proceeding to LVU review: rare in relation to the number of reports of concern; requires more serious grounds and often a court decision.
In 2024, approximately 26,300 children and young people received full-time care; two-thirds voluntarily according to Socialstyrelsen. It is a small proportion of all affected children.
If the social services fail
Documentation deficiencies, delayed decisions, and unclear analyses occur. JO has directed serious criticism at municipalities where investigations have been prolonged without reasonable analysis. Secure your own documentation, request decisions in writing, and consider a JO complaint in cases of obvious procedural errors. See JO complaint step by step.
