How to Submit an Orōsanmālan to Socialtjänsten

 How to Submit an Orōsanmālan to Socialtjänsten – A Practical Guide for Concerned Individuals

If you suspect that a child is being neglected, abused, or living in unsafe conditions in Sweden, the best thing you can do is submit an "orōsanmālan" to Socialtjänsten .

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about reporting concerns about a child's well-being — including who can submit one, how to write it, what happens next, and your rights as a reporter.

We've designed this article to be more practical, user-friendly, and comprehensive than official pages like the Socialstyrelsen page on children at risk .

What is an Orōsanmālan?

You don't need proof — just reasonable concern based on what you've seen or heard.

Examples of When to Submit One:

• The child often appears hungry or dirty.
• There are signs of physical harm or bruises.
• The home environment seems dangerous or unsuitable.
• You hear loud arguments or domestic violence regularly.
• The child skips school repeatedly without explanation.

Who Can Submit an Orōsanmālan?

Anyone can submit an orōsanmālan, but some professions have a legal obligation to do so if they suspect harm.

Mandatory Reporters:

• Teachers
• Preschool staff
• Doctors and nurses
• Social workers
• Mental health professionals

Optional Reporters:

• Neighbors
• Family members
• Friends
• Any concerned citizen

📌 Tip: If you work with children and see something worrying, you're legally required to report it. Failure to do so can lead to consequences.

How to Submit an Orōsanmālan

There are two main ways to submit an orōsanmālan :

1. Online Form (Form)

Most municipalities offer an online form on their official website. Search for:

“ [Municipality name] orōsanmālan formular ”

Some municipalities offer forms in multiple languages ​​such as English, Arabic, Somali, and Persian.

Example of Municipalities with Multilingual Support:

• Stockholm Stad : Offers translated guides for reporting concerns.
• Malmö Kommun : Has support available in several languages.
• Göteborg Stad : Provides detailed instructions for submitting reports.

📌 Tip: Always make sure you're using the official municipality website to avoid scams or fake forms.

2. Written Letter (Brev)

You can also write a formal letter containing:

• Your name (optional)
• Contact details (optional)
• Detailed description of the situation
• Reasons for concern
• Any additional observations

Sample Opening Paragraph:

"Jag skriver denna orōsanmālan för att uttrycka min oro över ett barn som jag tror kan vara i fara på grund av brisstande vård och osäkra levnadsvillkor..."

📌 Tip: Even if you're not sure, it's better to report and let the professionals assess the situation.

What Happens After Submitting an Orōsanmālan?

Once you submit the report, Socialtjänsten must act quickly. Here's what happens next:

Step 1: Initial Review

The case is registered and reviewed by a social worker. This usually takes 1–3 business days .

Step 2: Preliminary Investigation (Handling sutredning)

A team from Socialtjänsten investigates further, which may include:

• Interviews with the child
• Home visits
• Talking to teachers, doctors, or neighbors
• Reviewing school records or medical reports

This step can take up to 3 weeks , depending on the complexity of the case.

Step 3: Decision

Based on findings, Socialtjänsten decides:

• If no action is needed
• If the family needs support
• If the child should be placed in temporary care ( LVM – Lagen om Vård av Unga )
• If the case should go to court

📌 Tip: You won't always receive a direct update, but the law requires that every report be followed up.

Will My Identity Be Kept Private?

In most cases, yes — your identity is protected. However, in serious cases involving criminal investigations, your identity might be shared with the police or courts.

📌 Tip: Don't hesitate to report out of fear. Reporting responsibly is a civic duty.

Common Questions About Orōsanmālan

Q1: Do I need proof to submit an orōsanmālan?

No — you only need reasonable concerns based on what you've observed.

Q2: Can I submit it anonymously?

Yes, many municipalities allow anonymous reports.

Q3: Can I get in trouble if my concerns turn out to be wrong?

As long as you acted in good faith, there's no legal risk.

Q4: Will the parents find out who reported them?

Not always — your identity is usually protected unless required by law.

Final Tips for Submitting an Orōsanmālan

• Write clearly and factually.
• Include specific dates, events, and behaviors if possible.
• Stay calm and avoid emotional language.
• Save a copy of your report.
• Follow up if you don't hear back within a few weeks.

📌 Tip: If you're not fluent in Swedish, ask for help from a trusted person or use translation tools like Google Translate.

Conclusion

Submitting an orōsanmālan is one of the most important things you can do to protect a child at risk. Whether you're a teacher, neighbor, or concerned citizen, your report could be the first step in helping a child live a safer, healthier life.

Don't wait — if you're worried about a child, take action today.