Country profile: Sweden
Total population: 10,5 million
Total population under the age of 18: 2,2 million
Since 2020 The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is included in Swedish law. In a perfect world this should lead to all children growing up in safe and loving homes. However, that is not true in Sweden as well as in many other places. There are still big gaps in financial circumstances with many children growing up in vulnerable families as well as a mental health challenge among young people all throughout society.
The situation of children in Sweden
27 000 children were taken into care for at least one 24-hour period in 2020. Vulnerable children in Sweden are predominantly placed in foster care and group homes. Sadly, this is the case even when there is no hope for reunification with the birth family. Social services are struggling to recruit enough foster families and therefore might not find a good match according to the needs of the child. There have been some tragic events reaching the news in recent years and as a result there is a call for changed legislation to put the need of the child above parental rights.
Historically Sweden was the country in the world with the most international adoptions per capita. That number is now significantly lower due to a number of factors. However, international adoption is still the number one way for people who want to grow their families through adoption. Since the number of adoptions is reasonably low, it presents challenges with regards to knowledge and support from local authorities where the responsibility for post-adoption support lies. The knowledge of the needs of adopted children is also fairly low in the wider society as well as the church which can lead to a feeling of isolation as well as a struggle to get sufficient help. Therefore, there is a call for strengthened Post Adoption Services and a centralised system to further develop knowledge in order to be able to give sufficient support to adoptive families as well as adult adoptees.
Towards a national movement in Sweden
Many Christians are involved in fostering and adoption. However, there is no or little engagement on the issue from the Church. World Without Orphans Europe has therefore started a small prayer group that meets regularly to pray for Sweden and Scandinavia in the hopes that God would bring people together with a heart for vulnerable children.
These are some of our hopes the future:
- Mobilisation of the Church
- Theological reflection about our calling as Christians
- Support to foster and adoptive families through events, networks and the local church
- Give advice to those who are considering adoption or fostering
- Be a voice on the issue in the wider society
Please do contact us if you would like to be involved in developing a ministry in Sweden.
Other Information about Orphaned and Vulnerable Children and Family Care in Sweden
Better Care Network Information on Family-Based Care in Sweden