Addressing Parental Mental Health Problems in Swedish Child Welfare Services: A National Study of Current Practices

Parental mental health problems can co-occur with child abuse, repeated child protection reports, and adverse child outcomes. Still, limited knowledge exists regarding how child welfare services (CWS) identify and respond to such problems in caregivers . This study examined how Swedish CWS identify and respond to parental mental health problems following child protection reports. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Child welfare workers and managers from 75 CWS agencies across Sweden responded to a national survey addressing their agencies’ practices related to addressing parental mental health. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis. Parental mental health problems were mostly identified through informal conversations, while the use of validated screening or assessment tools was rare. Only one of the 75 agencies reported routinely using standardized, research-supported instruments to assess parental mental health. Assessment of suicidal ideation was uncommon, with 88% of agencies indicating they never or rarely asked caregivers about suicidal thoughts. Collaboration with mental healthcare services was described as inconsistent and hindered by unclear organizational responsibilities, limited resources, and differing professional perspectives across sectors. Overall, professionals within Swedish CWS reported frequently encountering parental mental health problems while relying primarily on informal, non-standardized practices, with structural barriers limiting coordinated support. The findings highlight gaps in systematic identification and interagency collaboration and point to a need for research-based assessment methods, clearer referral pathways, and strengthened competence in addressing parental mental health.