Social services in Linköping, Sweden, have begun testing an artificial intelligence tool aimed at making child and youth investigations more efficient, according to a report from SVT Östergötland. The AI tool is being tested by approximately 20 caseworkers and will continue through the summer.
John Törnquist, head of the Children and Youth department, stated that the goal is to make caseworkers more efficient and free up time so they can meet with children more frequently. "We hope that AI will make us more efficient and free up time for caseworkers who will be able to meet children more often," Törnquist said.
We hope that AI will make us more efficient and free up time for caseworkers who will be able to meet children more often
Currently, 90 percent of child investigations in Linköping municipality are completed within four months, a significant improvement from two years ago when more than half of investigations took longer than that. The reduction in investigation times has been attributed to better work management and new digital tools, including summons via Kivra.
Linköping is not alone in testing AI in social services, with similar tests reportedly conducted in Helsingborg and Jönköping. The initiative aims to ensure children receive appropriate support more quickly, with Törnquist noting, "It's very gratifying. It means that the right support can be put in place for children faster."
It's very gratifying. It means that the right support can be put in place for children faster