Coercive decisions in Switzerland through the lens of international standards : foster care placements

In practice, international standards have progressively created frameworks and essentially limitations on coercive decision-making in order to better uphold children’s rights. As such, the research will examine in which ways and to which extent the contemporary Swiss system complies with these evolving norms.

It will specifically examine the Swiss system of removal and placement decisions in foster care and where possible, adoption, by undertaking a legal analysis exploring legislation and policy as well as undertaking qualitative research to understand Swiss practices through in-depth interviews and case studies.

The Swiss system of child protection is particularly diverse and fragmented due to small-scale federalism, which has hindered an analysis to date and thus limited the knowledge required for any (opportunities of) improvements. The study results will contribute to a country-wide improvement of coercive decision-making in child protection.

The main objective of this research is to facilitate the alignment of Swiss laws, policies, and practices in foster care with international standards. By achieving this goal, the children and families concerned will be able to fully enjoy their rights and the benefits of this child protection measure, when it is truly necessary.

The research will identify where coercive decisions in foster care have occurred outside the safeguards of international standards, creating opportunities to rectify these limitations as well as offering solutions for the children and families concerned. It will comprise recommendations for policy makers, practitioners and other stakeholders.

Evaluation of coercive decision-making in adoption and foster care in Switzerland through the lens of international standards.