To Örebro University

The aim of this study is to, from a child’s family relations, describe the usage of terms relating to factors of risk and safety in science and in investigations concerning children in need of protection. It is also of importance in what way the terms are used when the Social Services suggest that measures should be taken, and in which way the children have been heard in the investigations.

The issues raised in this study are: (a) How is the current life situation and life quality of the children discussed? (b) The value of factors concerning risks and protection. (c) How is the children’s own descriptions taken in to consideration? (d) Is gender issues considered? (e) How is Lagerberg’s model (Lagerberg, 1998) useful in investigations?

The method of analysis is mainly qualitative however it is combined with analysis of literature relevant to the study. The empirical material has been obtained from social files concerning recommendations of placing children in alternative homes. The study includes 13 cases when recommendations have been given according to the Social Services Act (SoL) or to the Care of Young Persons Act (LVU). The cases concern children between the age 7 and 12 years old in two communities in the middle of Sweden. The result of the study is given in terms of risks, safety and quality of life. When needed, it is also given in terms of gender. For instance, the study shows that the children are able to talk about their situation in 50% of the cases. Furthermore, it shows that girls tend to talk more about their concerns about their family situation than boys do.

The ambition is that this study will be of assistance for the Social Services in cases concerning children in need.

Keywords: Child perspective, attachment, ecology of human development, gender, factors of risk, protective factors, life quality and prognoses.