Hjemsetting

Hjemsetting is a term used in Nordic welfare and care policies to describe the process of placing a person in a home or home-like setting, often with support services. The concept emphasizes living in a familiar or domestic environment rather than in institutions, shelters, or other specialized facilities. The exact definitions and uses can vary by country, but the underlying idea is to enable independence, family involvement, and everyday life within a community.

In social services and child welfare, hjemsetting commonly refers to placing children or young people in family-based care or with relatives, rather than in institutional care. It can also involve reintegrating individuals who have spent time in hospitals, care homes, or correctional facilities into their own homes or community households, with appropriate support and supervision. The approach aims to promote stability, continuity of relationships, and access to everyday routines such as schooling, work, and social activities.

In rehabilitation and support services, hjemsetting may encompass assistive arrangements that enable adults to live at home with services such as home care, personal assistance, or home-based therapy. For offenders or people in treatment programs, it can include supervised home confinement or structured home-based routines designed to reduce risk while fostering everyday life.

Policy frameworks around hjemsetting balance the benefits of a domestic setting with the need for safety, resources, and ongoing support. Critics may point to the risk of insufficient support or inadequate housing, which can threaten stability and well-being.