Denmark: Social workers allege legal violations in municipal departments

Danish politicians and social workers are raising alarms regarding the treatment of families with children with disabilities in municipal departments. Former municipal social worker Karin B. Nissen has alleged that employees are being forced to choose between following the law and adhering to municipal budget constraints. She described a system where staff face intense work pressure and are pushed to make professional decisions they cannot support.

Katrine Daugaard of the Liberal Alliance characterized these revelations as a ‘serious attack on citizens' legal certainty.’ The Danish Social Worker Association has supported these claims.

In Vesthimmerland Municipality, sixteen families have voiced criticism of the local Family Department. Families reported issues including incorrect information in case files, violations of parental and children's rights, and inconsistent caseworker assignments. Twelve of the sixteen families noted that their well-being worsened after interacting with the municipality. Despite submitting formal complaints to local politicians, many families report being met with a ‘wall of silence’ regarding the progress of their grievances.