45-year-old Therese is autistic, has an intellectual disability and epilepsy. She had lived at home with her parents in Degerfors all her life. But after conflicts between assistants and the parents, Therese’s trustees applied for protected civil registration and moved her to an unknown address.
Mission review cannot find any traces of threats, violence or harassment against Therese which is normally required to obtain protected civil registration.
Over three years have passed without Therese being able to meet her parents.
When Uppdrag gränskning finally found Therese, she was 65 miles from home – in Örnsköldsvik. She then wanted her mother to come to her birthday.
But in the days after the meeting, she was quickly moved again.
Therese was moved to a hostel
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“I met Therese”. Hear Hans Söderholm, who met Therese in a hostel and recognized her on TV, two weeks later. Photo: SVT
For three weeks, Therese had to live in a hostel. She was then moved even further away, over 100 miles from Degerfors.
– It is not human. They don’t care that she has her disease. It’s not just about moving that person anyway, says Therese’s father Hans.
Therese’s parents are beginning to give up hope of meeting their daughter.
– I wrote and asked if Therese could attend her uncle’s funeral. But no. I didn’t get an answer, says Therese’s mother Ulla.
See the full program “Where is Therese – the continuation” on SVT Play
Those in charge do not address Therese’s case
Only the trustee from the company Optio can decide where Therese will live and whether she will have contact with her family.
But the board of trustees in eastern Värmland can change the situation by replacing the trustee. Three committee meetings have been held since they were given responsibility for Therese’s case, but no decisions have been made.
Therese’s parents feel powerless, but hope that the board of trustees will act.
– To ride over 100 miles? No, there isn’t. Sorry Therese, that mother can’t. I don’t want to ruin it for you, but make sure you get to come to Degerfors, says Ulla.
The company Optio refers to confidentiality in the cases, but writes in an email that “when it is to the advantage of the principal, we are happy to cooperate with relatives to create a safe and stable situation.”
Assignment review has chosen not to seek contact with Therese again or tell her where she is, to avoid Therese being moved once again by her trustee.
The case of Therese – this has happened
Steward, good man and superintendent
Anyone who finds it difficult to manage their finances, needs help with contacts with authorities or with getting the right care and attention can get a good man or administrator.
A good man or trustee must also in some cases “take care of the person”, which means taking responsibility for the principal’s needs for social contacts, leisure activities, daily employment. The administrator must visit the principal and make sure to give him as high a quality of life as possible.
Good man
Getting a good man is normally a voluntary action. This means that the person who needs help himself agrees that the district court appoints a good man. Whoever has a good husband still has the right to decide over his money, manage property and enter into contracts.
Manager
If you are unable to take care of yourself or your assets, the district court can appoint an administrator. This can be done without the person who needs help agreeing to it. Relatives also do not have to agree with the decision. Anyone who receives a manager loses the right to enter into contracts or manage their money themselves.
Chief Guardian
Every municipality must have a superintendent who supervises how good men and trustees carry out their duties. Relatives can view documents from the superintendent and request that the representative be replaced.
Source: Sweden’s courts