Safer and faster support with the new social services act

The previous Social Services Act was based on legislation from the early 1980s. More than forty years later, society’s needs and challenges have changed.

“A lot has changed since then,” says Malin Erlingsson, process leader for the new Social Services Act at Boden Municipality. “We now have more elderly residents, more people with complex needs, and greater social vulnerability. The new law focuses on preventive work, lowering barriers, and offering support without a formal needs assessment.”

Closer to citizens

One of the main goals of the new legislation is to make social services more accessible than before.

“With increasing digitalisation, people’s expectations for fast and accessible support have grown,” says Malin Erlingsson. “As part of that development, Boden Municipality is expanding its range of e-services.”

More digital entry points will give families, older people, victims and perpetrators of violence, and individuals struggling with addiction access to information and the possibility to book counselling appointments directly through the municipality’s website.

One example is Parent Support, an online support portal for parents and families, which has just launched digital appointment booking on the website.

“Another way to increase accessibility is that the Social Services Department will regularly have staff from different units available at Enter Galleria, every Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting in November,” she explains. “This will allow us to meet residents more easily, answer questions, provide information, and guide people to the right type of support.”

By being closer to citizens, Malin Erlingsson hopes that trust in social services will grow and that people will feel encouraged to reach out at an early stage. Early contact increases the ability to work preventively and provide help before problems become too severe.

“With the support of the new law, we can offer faster and more flexible assistance without lengthy assessments of individual needs. This allows us to focus more resources on preventive work and free up time for more complex investigation cases.”

Flexible Support Services

To meet citizens’ needs for flexible and personalised support, more welfare technology is being introduced — such as home safety cameras, medicine dispensers, and GPS alarms. The Social Services Department is also exploring the possibility of offering digital home visits in the future.

“These technological solutions are designed to increase individuals’ sense of safety while allowing social services to focus their resources on measures that require physical presence,” says Malin Erlingsson.

Even before, legislation has emphasised the importance of allowing children and young people to express their views in matters that concern them — but now this aspect is given even greater importance.

“Children need to know what’s happening and feel that they are being listened to,” says Malin Erlingsson.
“The new law also requires social services to become more gender equal. That means addressing the needs of girls, boys, women, and men on equal terms — without being influenced by outdated norms or stereotypes.”

Research and knowledge development

Social services must now work in a more knowledge-based way, relying clearly on research and proven experience.

“Since last autumn, we have been part of a network where we’re implementing the new Social Services Act together with other municipalities in Norrbotten. We’ll now expand this collaboration and join a learning process with other municipalities across northern Sweden — so that we can learn from each other instead of everyone reinventing the wheel,” says Malin Erlingsson.

The Social Services Department in Boden has also joined a research project at Karlstad University focused on the transition to the new Social Services Act.
Through this initiative, municipalities from across Sweden will meet to strengthen the quality and knowledge base of social services for adults and people with disabilities.

“Being part of building a society where everyone feels safe is one of the most meaningful things you can do.”

Collaboration is key

Malin Erlingsson believes these changes are long-awaited — both by citizens and by staff working within social services — and she encourages more people to join the profession.

“With the new law, those working in social services will have better opportunities to make a difference early on,” she says.
“Helping to build a community where everyone feels safe is one of the most meaningful things you can do.
Working in social services is also exciting and rewarding — our staff meet many different people every day and hear incredible life stories. It’s truly unbeatable.”

The transition to the new legislation is extensive and will take several years.

“It takes time to shift focus from putting out fires to developing early preventive work,” says Malin Erlingsson.
“That will require greater collaboration — both within and between the municipality’s departments, and together with the region, the police, and civil society as a whole.”