The Social Welfare Committee in Upplands Väsby Municipality is criticised for shortcomings in the relocation of a child in foster care pursuant to the Care of Young Persons (Special Provisions) Act

Summary of the decision: A girl was placed in foster care at birth by social services. After living with the foster family for approximately six years, social services decided to relocate her.

One of the foster parents lodged a complaint with the Parliamentary Ombudsman concerning how the matter of relocation had been dealt with. Among other things, the complaint stated that the foster parents were unaware that the matter of relocation had been investigated by the committee. Furthermore, the transfer had been effected by social services collecting the girl from preschool, meaning that she did not have the opportunity to say goodbye to the foster family.

In his decision, the Parliamentary Ombudsman states that the committee should have provided the foster family with the opportunity to give an opinion on the matter of relocating the girl before reaching a decision. The Parliamentary Ombudsman also notes that the opinion of the girl herself was not sought during the investigation to the extent that was her right. The Parliamentary Ombudsman criticises the committee for these shortcomings.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman also makes certain statements concerning how the girl’s relocation was implemented, and emphasises the importance of the committee giving careful consideration to how relocation can be effected in a manner that takes account of the child’s individual circumstances and conditions.