Kvinnojouren Blenda in Växjö has received permission to continue operating its protected housing facility for vulnerable women, according to a report from SVT Småland. The women's shelter is now the only one in Kronoberg County authorized to run such protected housing under new legislation that took effect in 2024.
The new law requires organizations to obtain permits to operate protected housing facilities, a requirement that did not exist previously. This regulatory change has resulted in several other actors no longer being able to provide such services.
This means we can continue our operations. What changes is that IVO (the Health and Social Care Inspectorate) will have greater oversight of what we do than before, which becomes a form of security.
Caroline Coucher, operations manager at Kvinnojouren Blenda, stated: 'This means we can continue our operations. What changes is that IVO (the Health and Social Care Inspectorate) will have greater oversight of what we do than before, which becomes a form of security.'
Coucher added that receiving the permit is a positive sign: 'It means we're doing a good job helping women and children escape violence. It feels good to have the permit granted. Now we can continue doing what we're best at.'
It means we're doing a good job helping women and children escape violence. It feels good to have the permit granted. Now we can continue doing what we're best at.
The new legislation gives authorities greater insight into both privately owned and non-profit operations, aiming to ensure proper standards in protected housing facilities across Sweden.