Compulsory Placement

A situation where children are removed from their homes against their and their family's will is called compulsory placement. Compulsory placement occurs when there is an evident risk that the child will be subjected to serious harm by remaining with their biological parents, and when the issues that led to this decision cannot be resolved through support at home. The reasons for such placement can vary and may include situations such as violence, alcohol or substance abuse, and cases of mental illness in the home.

Compulsory placement occurs when the local children and youth committee make the decision to move the child away from the home, based on recommendations from the municipality's social workers. The decision to remove your child from the home cannot be made by the municipality's staff alone, including your social worker. Instead, the municipality's Børne og Ungeudvalg will be responsible for making the final decision if you disagree with the municipality's decision. This committee consists of a judge from the local district court as well as two politicians and two child welfare experts. Parents have the right to review all relevant documents and provide their statement to the committee, typically with the assistance of an attorney, before a decision is made. Alongside your attorney, you will thus have the opportunity of presenting your views directly to the committee.