These principles always apply
When you are placed in out-of-home care, it is the responsibility of the adults in the foster family or the staff to take care of you.
You have the same rights as other children, even when you are placed in out-of-home care. For example, you have the right to go to school, to be given treatment if you are ill, and to have someone who listens to you.
If something doesn’t feel right, you can talk to EN Infobubbla soc. They are responsible for your placement and for ensuring that you are fine.
You have a social worker
All children and young persons who are placed in out-of-home care have an appointed social worker at social services. That person will visit you and give you the information you need.
You have the right to talk to your social worker alone. If you prefer, you can take someone else along as support.
Examples of questions you can ask your social worker
- Why are you worried about me?
- Why can’t I live at home?
- How long do I have to stay here?
- What do I do if I’m not happy here?
- When can I see my parents and siblings?
- Are you giving my parents any help?
- Have you planned something that I don’t know about?
- Will other people find out about the things I tell you?
Seeing family members and close friends
Most children who are placed in out-of-home care can have contact with their parents, siblings and other people who are important in their lives.
There are different ways of being in contact. It could be meeting up in person but it can also be talking via a computer or telephone.
You should speak up if you think it is difficult to see someone in person. Then your social worker can try to arrange things so it will be more in line with your wishes.
If you are not allowed to see your family or other people the way you want to, social services must explain why.
Children who have turned 15 have more say regarding which people they are to see.
Information adults have about you
Usually, you have the right to know what the adults who figure in your life write about you. You can ask social services if you want to read the documentation/record they have about you.
If there is something you don’t understand or want to know more about, you should ask.
IVO (The Health and Social Care Inspectorate) is a government agency that ensures social services do what they are supposed to do to help children and adults.
IVO has a helpline for children and young persons under 21 years. You can call them and ask about your rights or tell them about something that does not feel right. The telephone number is 020-120 06 06.
You can also send an e-mail to IVO at beratta@ivo.se
More about your rights
On IVO’s and SIS’s websites, you can read more information and see films about your rights when you are placed in out-of-home care:
SiS’s special residential home for young people
How is your contact with your social worker?
Click on one of the feelings to get advice on what you can do. Your answer will not be saved nor passed on to social services or anyone else.