familjehem

Familjehem is a form of foster care in Sweden where a child or adolescent in need of substitute care is placed in a private family's home rather than in an institutional setting. The purpose is to provide a safe, stable everyday life and opportunities for development, schooling, and social participation within a family context. Placements are arranged by the municipality’s social services and are governed by a care plan that is regularly reviewed.

A foster family in a familjehem is recruited, screened, and trained by social services. The family receives support and supervision from a designated social worker, and is compensated with a foster allowance to cover the child’s needs. Foster parents commit to ongoing cooperation with social services, participate in training, and provide a nurturing environment, structure, and continuity in daily life. The duration of a placement varies and can be short-term or longer-term, depending on the child’s needs and the care plan.

Typical goals of a familjehem include stabilizing the child’s situation, supporting schooling and health needs, addressing attachment and emotional development, and preparing for possible reunification with birth parents or other permanent alternatives such as adoption. The arrangement often involves ongoing contact with birth families, arranged as part of the care plan, which can include regular visits or communication when appropriate.

Legal and oversight framework: placements are governed by national and local child welfare laws, such as the Social Services Act, and, where relevant, provisions related to care of minors. Social services monitor the placement, ensure the child’s rights are respected, and adjust the arrangement as needed to promote the child’s safety, well-being, and development.