Therese Andersson lived under protected identity registration for four years. Authorities moved her between cities far from home and denied contact with her family. Her parents were labeled as threats.
An investigation revealed the administrator's application contained unverified claims and factual errors. No documents supported claims that Therese faced threats or violence. Both the application and social services' statement relied solely on the administrator's own claims.
The Swedish Tax Agency still approved the protected identity.
Everything changed after Therese got a new administrator. After four years, she suddenly moved home and reunited with her parents, though nothing else had changed.
She now lives in her own apartment near her parents' home. The protected identity registration has been removed.
"It's a long series of violations. But now things are back where they should have been," said lawyer Per Westman, an expert on legal guardianship.
The Swedish Tax Agency maintains it acted correctly in granting the protected identity, even though the decision was later reversed and the family reunited.
Politicians on the Östra Värmland supervisory board, which oversees guardians, declined to comment on the case or the family's reunion.
The former administrator continues receiving new assignments. Last summer, the Ă–rebro supervisory board deemed her suitable for another guardianship role.
The administrator and her employer, Optio AB, previously stated they followed all regulations and laws. They declined to comment on what happened.
The Andersson family now tries to reclaim four lost years. But Therese's mother feels joy mixed with worry.
"I don't feel secure. I'm afraid they'll take her again if I do something wrong."
She, Therese, and Hans look forward to finally being together.
"Now we'll get to celebrate Christmas with Therese, think of that after four years," said Ulla Andersson.
This case reveals concerning gaps in Sweden's guardianship system where unverified claims can separate families for years without proper oversight.