- We take a serious look at this situation and that is also why we ourselves reported this ill-treatment to IVO, says Sara Stigsdotter Dahlberg, Head of Operations for Individual and Family Care in Älmhult Municipality.

Hard to recruit staff

Already in 2017, the social service had problems investigating on time and in 2019 the social secretary in Älmhult sounded alarm after three child investigations were completed without the children ever being contacted.

Why is it difficult to access this?

- We have had a hard time recruiting staff and at the same time we have not been able to have the four investigators in place for a very long time, says Sara Stigsdotter.

In the spring, the number of registrations with the social services also increased, which forced them to prioritize.

- We have prioritized the cases initiated because of violence or other forms of abuse.

Solution in sight

Two consultants were hired during the summer and a new team leader will help the investigators to streamline work after the summer, according to the chief operating officer.

- Now we make sure that we do not have lying issues so that we are in phase as soon as the autumn begins, says Sara Stigsdotter Dahlberg.