Both private persons and public authorities may report to the Child Welfare Service instances where a child is experiencing difficult circumstances. It is not necessary that you personally have observed the child mentioned in your report, but you should identify the source of the information. Rumours are not considered as a report. The Child Welfare Service shall:
- disregard the report is it is clearly without grounds
- commence and investigation if there are grounds to consider that there is a need for assistance
- drop the matter if the legal requirements have not been met.
Public authorities have an obligation to inform the Child Welfare service if they have reason to believe that the child has been subjected to severe neglect.