Sweeden
Valbo: January 31, 1994-May 9, 1994

Acting on a complaint by a municipal councilor who voiced suspicions that "minors are being treated in such a way that there is danger to their health and development," the Social Services Department of Valbo, Sweden, began an investigation of the Family community located at Gvle.

The investigation began January 31, 1994, and lasted three months. Social workers visited the Family community and interviewed the parents and their children (six years old and over). Social workers gathered information from the local school authorities, health services, sociologists, and religious "watchdog" organizations. They also studied Family literature as well as international sociologists' reports on the Family.

This case was closed on May 9, 1994. Following are excerpts of the concluding report, by Valbo Social Services Department Secretaries Monika Quadt and Per Sbrink:

The Family way of living brings many positive aspects: The children always have helpers around them. They have adults and older children to whom they can turn, which gives them a feeling of security. The children also have a close circle of friends. The Family way of life includes learning to care for others, taking communal responsibility, and sharing material things. They also have common values that result in a secure, common foundation. The Family is a well-organized, communal group.

In our investigation we have come to the conclusion that the way of life of the children in the Family is different from that of other Swedish children. These differing circumstances that have been described are not considered a danger to the health and development of the children.