A recent analysis reveals that children in Denmark are being placed in care at an older age, despite political agreements aimed at earlier intervention. The average age of children entering care has risen from five years to 11.5 years in 2023, according to a report from the think tank Kraka.

This increase is surprising, particularly given the significant political attention on the issue in recent years and the rise in compulsory placements, which typically involve younger children.

The disparity in placement ages across municipalities is substantial. The ten municipalities with the earliest placements average 9.4 years, while the ten with the latest placements average 13.3 years, a difference of almost four years. Even after accounting for socio-economic background and age composition, the difference remains significant at 2.7 years.

These discrepancies warrant a closer investigation into the practices of individual municipalities. The wide variation suggests potential differences in how municipalities approach child placement decisions.

In 2021, a broad parliamentary majority adopted an agreement to ensure vulnerable children receive timely and appropriate assistance. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had also previously emphasized the need for earlier intervention and more stable conditions for children in care.

At the end of 2023, approximately 13,900 children were in care in Denmark, representing 1.2 percent of all children between 0 and 17 years, a proportion that has remained stable for several years.

A 2023 study indicated that a quarter of children in care wished they had been removed from their biological parents sooner. While different professional assessments may contribute to the variations between municipalities, the analysis from Kraka suggests a need to address potential inconsistencies in municipal practices.