Placement of young people in institutions in the Nordic countries

This report provides a much needed overview of child placement in institutions in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). The report maps the different countries’ statistics for child placement, both with regard to legislation and organisation. It clarifies important similarities, differences and trends in child placement in the Nordic countries. The scope of child placement and the choice of institution vary significantly from country to country. Denmark and Finland primarily place young people in residential institutions, whereas foster care is preferred in both Sweden and Norway. All six countries pay special attention to young people with behavioural problems, but they deal with them differently. Denmark and Sweden often use secure institutions, whereas the other countries primarily use open institutions. The report also shows that child placement to a high degree takes place in private institutions. Apparently, child placement has quietly become one of the most privatised areas of the welfare state. The study is based on various data, including interviews with leading researchers in all countries, national child placement statistics and legislation, official documents and Nordic research literature. The report was funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and to a less extent by the Danish National Social Appeals Board.