Child protection in Stockholm: A local cohort study on childhood prevalence of investigations and service delivery

Prevalence figures of child protection investigations and services are dominated by cross-sectional data and annual statistics. So far, no data exist on how many children are investigated or receive services at some time during childhood, from birth to age of majority. This study reports on Child Protection Authorities' (CPA) involvement in a random sample of children born from 1968 to 1975, who resided permanently in Stockholm (Sweden) from birth to age 18 (N = 2.297). Information is based on reviews of CPA case files, registering information of all referrals, investigations and social services received by those children until the age of 20. In the study population, 12% (n = 272) were objects of at least one child protection investigation during their childhood and 7% (n = 162) received social services at least once. When these figures are extrapolated to children who have at any time lived in Stockholm (including those born outside of Stockholm but moving to Stockholm and children born in Stockholm but migrated elsewhere), they increase to point estimates of 19% and 10%. The average total service time was about 5 years. Three out of four children receiving services were at one time or another in out-of-home care. 56% of the service receivers were re-referred to the CPA after terminated services. Implications for the findings are discussed.