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Linköping Tests AI Tool to Speed Up Social Services Investigations

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Key Points
  • Linköping is testing an AI tool with 20 caseworkers to speed up social services investigations for children and youth.
  • Investigation times have dropped, with 90% now completed within four months compared to over half taking longer two years ago.
  • Similar AI tests are underway in Helsingborg and Jönköping, aiming to free up caseworker time for more direct child contact.

According to sources, the AI tool is being tested until summer and is used by about 20 caseworkers. The municipality hopes that AI will make them more efficient and free up time for caseworkers to meet children more often. " The exact start date of the AI testing period has not been disclosed, and it is unknown what specific tasks the AI tool is being used for in the investigations.

Investigation times have decreased with better work management and new digital tools, such as summons via Kivra. Today, 90% of social services' investigations of children and youth in Linköping municipality are completed within four months. Two years ago, more than half of the investigations could take longer than that.

We hope that AI will make us more efficient and free up time for the caseworkers who will be able to meet children more often.

John Törnquist, Department head of Children and Youth

Törnqvist added, "It is very gratifying. " Linköping is not alone in testing AI in social services; both Helsingborg and Jönköping have conducted similar tests. Whether the AI tool has shown measurable improvements in efficiency or outcomes so far remains unclear.

It is very gratifying. It means that one can more quickly put in the right support for the children.

John Törnqvist, Department head of Children and Youth
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Linköping Tests AI Tool to Speed Up Social Services Investigations | Reed News