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Health · Sweden
Updated September 2026

🧒 I am worried a child is being abused or neglected — who do I tell?

Direct answer

You do not need proof — a worry is enough, and you will not be blamed if it turns out to be nothing. Socialtjänsten — orosanmälan (socialstyrelsen.se) is the child-protection service for Sweden: they assess, advise you about what you have seen, and act if needed; you can call anonymously. BRIS — 116 111 (116 111) is the helpline for children and young people themselves — tell the child it exists. A child in immediate danger: Polisen — anmälan (114 14).

Call firstSocialtjänsten — orosanmälan
Report toBRIS — 116 111
If that failsPolisen — anmälan

🗣️ What to say

"I am worried about a child, [name/age if known], at [address / school]. I have noticed [what: injuries, statements, being left alone, hunger, fear] on [dates]. I am [neighbour / teacher / relative]. I would like advice on what to do / to report this."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write down what you sawFacts, dates, the child's own words if any. Do not interrogate the child.
  2. Call Socialtjänsten — orosanmälanFor advice first if you are unsure; they help you decide. Anonymity is possible.
  3. Danger now: Polisen — anmälanPolice and emergency services. Do not wait for the service's office hours.
  4. Professionals: your dutyTeachers, doctors and carers have a legal duty or a protocol to report. Use it.
  5. Keep the child in viewA trusted adult who keeps noticing is the best protection until the service acts.

📇 All contacts

Socialtjänsten — orosanmälanReports of children at riskAs soon as a child worries you🔗 www.socialstyrelsen.se/kunskapsstod/barn-och-unga/barn-som-far-illa/anmala-oro-for-barn
BRIS — 116 111Helpline for children and young peopleFor children and teenagers📞 116 111🔗 www.bris.se
Polisen — anmälanPolice report online or via 114 14Always — the basis for bank, insurer and platform📞 114 14🔗 polisen.se/utsatt-for-brott/polisanmalan
Kommunens socialtjänst / biståndshandläggareHome care, disability support, decisions, appealsFor care and support🔗 www.socialstyrelsen.se
Brottsofferjouren — 116 006Free victim support, help with compensationAfter any crime📞 116 006🔗 www.brottsofferjouren.se

❓ Frequently asked

Will the child be taken away?

Removal is the last resort; the first response is support for the family. Reporting is the start of help, not of separation.

What if I am wrong?

Reports in good faith carry no liability. Services expect and prefer early, uncertain reports.

The child told me something in confidence

You can promise to help, not to keep it secret. Explain that you have to tell someone whose job it is to keep them safe.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “report child abuse Sweden”
  • “child protection helpline Sweden”
  • “worried about a child who to call”
  • “child neglect report anonymous”
  • “child helpline number”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🆘Domestic violence→🏥Medical complaint→👨‍⚕️Find a doctor→♿Care support refused→

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