Mandatory Swedish screening proposed for young multilingual children
A government inquiry proposes mandatory Swedish-language screening for young children registered in Sweden whose mother tongue is not Swedish. The legal duty would fall on regions, with no punishable obligation for parents or guardians.
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The memorandum says identification should happen in ordinary child-health services, mainly during language screening at about two and a half to three years old. Some regions also conduct a follow-up at age four.
If staff identify a need for Swedish-language support, the region would inform the child's municipality. Only necessary information could be shared, including the child's exposure to Swedish, language environment and ability to understand or speak the language.
The municipality could then offer support through preschool, open preschool, libraries or other services. The Government says the aim is earlier help with learning and participation.
The proposal has no fixed start date. The Government would decide when the law takes effect.
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