One in four young Danes placed in foster care attempts suicide

More than 40 percent have contemplated the idea

Lucie Rychla

One in four young Danes placed in foster care have at some point in their life attempted to commit suicide, reveals a report from the National Centre for Social Research (SFI).

The unpublished study also found that children and adolescents in this vulnerable group are five to six times more likely to commit suicide than those not placed in foster care.

Researchers asked over 1,000 Danish adults who were placed in foster care, along with a group of 4,300 Danes who were not, if they ever attempted to take their own life.

READ MORE: Children in care not getting adequate help

“Not surprising”
While 28 percent of the foster care teens answered ‘yes’, the same was true for only 5 percent of the other group.

Additionally, 44 percent of those in foster care contemplated the idea.

“Unfortunately, it is not surprising – children in foster care are the most vulnerable in our society and have often experienced some very unpleasant things at a very young age,” SFI researcher Rikke Fuglsang told Altinget.

According to figures from Danmarks Statistik, 50 children and young people in foster care committed suicide between 2009 and 2014.

In seven of these cases, the kids took their own life in the same year they were removed from home.

 

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs