Socialtjänsten och barn till irreguljära immigranter
en rättsvetenskaplig undersökning
Irregular immigrantsUndocumented immigrantsIllegal immigrantsIllegal aliensAsylum seekerSocial serviceSwedish lawCivil disobedienceLaw and ethicsIrreguljär immigrantGömd flyktingPapperslös; FlyktingbarnAsylsökandeIllegal invandringIllegal invandrareRättssociologiSocialtjänstLag och moralCivil olydnad
The aim of this study was to examine how the social services could investigate and support children of irregular immigrants within the boundaries of the law. More specifically it aimed to examine the legal possibilities and obstacles for the social services to support irregular immigrants, how the officials at the social services act considering the legal aspects, and how they reason morally and ethically when dealing with irregular immigrants. To answer the aim of the study the theory of positive law was used combined with qualitative interviews with two officials at the social services. Moreover a small quantitative telephone study with officials in the social services and with voluntary organizations was made. The study has used theories of sociology of law, law and ethics, and professional (civil) disobedience. The conclusions were that children of irregular immigrants are included by the Swedish law for social services, but are hindered from getting support by the legal obligation to inform the police authorities when the social services are dealing with foreigners who did not apply for a residence permit. There is a need for the officials to be extra committed in such cases and they break the obligation to inform to be able to support the children.