Protected Housing (Social Services Act)

Protected housing (skyddat boende) is a service under Chapter 26, Section 1 of the Social Services Act (SoL) that provides accommodation and protection in an acute phase for persons exposed to violence or threats. The service facilitates the transition to an independent, safe life with permanent housing. Support includes safety planning, counseling, assistance in contact with authorities, conversations, and practical help in daily life and housing. For accompanying children, services include safety planning, information, homework assistance, and support to process experiences of violence.

Private actors have needed a permit from the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO) since April 1, 2024, to professionally operate protected housing. Operations that were active before August 1, 2024, were required to submit an application to IVO by that date to continue operating while awaiting a decision.