Advice and other assistance
Published
This page gives examples of where people can get support when needed regarding different stages in life.
Content on this page:
- Social services tasks – general information
- Family counselling service
- Cooperation discussions
- Legal assistance
- More information
Social services tasks – general information
The tasks of social services include facilitating the basis for good living conditions, and include responsibility for social care, assistance, information, advice, support and healthcare, financial assistance and other help to families and individuals in need of these services.
Social services have particular tasks in relation to the care of children and young people. Among other things, social services’ mandate includes working to ensure that children and young people grow up in safe and secure and positive circumstances.
In its care of children and young people, the social welfare committee (socialnämnden) must provide for special needs for support and assistance where they exist after a case or matter that concerns custody, residence, contact or adoption has been decided.
Family law matters handled within social services include matters relating to the child’s custody, residence and contact, establishment of parenthood, information conversations, cooperation discussions and family counselling. This also includes preparation for parenthood, consent investigations and support to children and parents in connection with international adoptions.
Municipalities are liable to ensure that parents who want assistance with drawing up agreements concerning custody, residence and contact receive this help. If the parents do not agree in a case concerning custody, residence or contact, the court may request that the social welfare committee conducts an investigation. In some cases, the court may request that the social welfare committee appoints a contact support person (umgängesstöd) to assist when contact takes place.
Family counselling service
The municipality must ensure that, when requested, family counselling can be offered either by the municipality or by some other appropriate professional counselling service.
Family counselling means conversations with the purpose of dealing with conflicts in relationships between couples and families. The family counselling service can be used by anyone who is experiencing problems in their couple and/or family relationships.
Its purpose is to provide families with support and help in dealing with conflicts, problems and crisis situations. For example, the counselling may take place in connection with a separation.
Contact with the family counselling service is voluntary. Couples and families contact the service on their own initiative. The family counselling service has strict confidentiality rules and you can contact the service anonymously.
Contact your municipality for more information.
Cooperation discussions
Cooperation discussions are structured conversations guided by an expert with parents who disagree on how to resolve matters related to custody, residence or contact. The purpose of the discussions is to help parents come to agreements about their child based on the child’s needs and wants, where applicable.
The municipality is liable to offer cooperation discussions. If court proceedings concerning custody, residence or contact have been instituted, the court can initiate cooperation discussions. There is no charge for cooperation discussions.
Contact your municipality for more information.
Legal assistance
Legal assistance is provided by solicitors and legal associates at law firms, where you can get brief legal advice under Sweden’s Legal Aid Act (rättshjälpslagen) for a fixed fee. In some cases, a person who needs further assistance in a legal matter can obtain legal aid.
