There have been numerous instances reported recently of children being taken into custody based on erroneous foundations, as highlighted in SVT's investigation into Malin, a childcare worker whose baby was taken away after being mistakenly labeled as intellectually disabled by maternal care. This incident reflects a broader issue within Sweden's social services, where a number of reviews by the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO) have revealed significant flaws in investigations carried out by social services. In a review from 2020, out of 819 supervision cases, deficiencies were found in 549 of them, showcasing an urgent need for reform.

In response to these alarming findings, a government inquiry has proposed several recommendations aimed at increasing the legal certainty surrounding child custody decisions. One key suggestion is to engage external experts to assist in the decision-making process. By allowing social councils and courts to consult with specialists designated by the Socialstyrelsen (National Board of Health and Welfare), the objective is to minimize the risk of arbitrary decisions affecting vulnerable children. This measure is intended to improve the accuracy and reliability of assessments made before any custody actions are taken.

Additionally, the inquiry advocates for a strengthened obligation for other authorities to provide necessary information to social councils prior to and during the custody process. This is crucial, as comprehensive data from multiple stakeholders can significantly enhance the quality of assessments carried out by social services. It aims to safeguard the interests of children and ensure that custody actions are based on accurate and complete information, thereby reducing the chance of applying undue stress and hardship on families due to misguided interventions.