The Ombudsman for Children Act

Swedish Code of Statutes no: 1993:335
Ministry public authority: Ministry of Employment
Issued: 13 May 1993
With amendments: Up to and including Swedish Code of Statutes 2017:1245

1 § 
The Ombudsman for Children has the task of representing the rights and interests of children and young people in the light of Sweden’s undertakings under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Act (2002:377).

2 § 
The Ombudsman for Children shall assiduously encourage implementation of the Convention and monitor compliance with it. In this connection, the Children’s Ombudsman shall give particular attention to ensuring that laws and other statutes and their application are in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Act (2002:377).

3 § 
Within their remit the Ombudsman for Children shall

1. propose to the Government the amendments to laws or other measures needed to accommodate the rights and interests of children and young people,

2. disseminate information, mould opinion and take initiatives for other suitable measures,

3. represent the rights and interests of children and young people in the public debate,

4. assemble knowledge and compile statistics on the living conditions of children and young people, as well as

5. follow international developments regarding interpretation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its application. The Act (2002:377).

4 § 
Not later than 1 April each year the Ombudsman for Children shall submit a report to the Government of the previous calendar year’s activities as well as on matters relating to children and young people of which the Ombudsman thinks the Government needs to be informed. The Act (2002:377).

5 §
At the request of the Ombudsman, administrative authorities, municipalities and county councils shall report to the Ombudsman the measures taken in their own operations to implement the rights of children and young people in accordance with the Convention. They are also liable to attend discussions with the Ombudsman at the latter’s request. The Act (2002:377).

6 § 
The Government appoints the Ombudsman for Children for a specific period of time.

The Ombudsman themselves shall make decisions regarding the organisation and the focus of their work. The Act (2002:377).

7 § 
The Ombudsman for Children shall report to the social services committee without delay if, in the course of their work, they receive information to the effect that a child is in danger of abuse or neglect or if it must otherwise be assumed that the social services committee needs to intervene to protect a child. If there are special reasons for doing so, a report may be made to the social services committee in other cases also. The Act (2017: 1245)

8 §
1. The Ombudsman may give the social services committee all the information that may be of importance for investigating a child’s need of protection,

2. The Ombudsman may give The Health and Social Care Inspectorate relevant information that can be of significant importance for the Inspectorate's supervision. The Act (2017: 1245).