In brief
This article explores the distressing experiences of Greenlandic families who had their children removed by social services based on controversial parenting tests. Keira, a mother in Denmark, recounts the painful moment her daughter was taken away immediately after birth. Critics of the tests argue they are biased against Greenlandic culture, while the Danish government faces backlash for its history of child removals. The story highlights the systemic issues faced by minority families within Denmark’s welfare system as they navigate the emotional and legal battles to regain custody of their children.
When Keira's daughter was born last November, she was given only two hours with her before the baby was taken into care. 'Right when she came out, I started counting the minutes,' recalls Keira, who sobbed uncontrollably at the moment of separation. Keira is among many Greenlandic families on the Danish mainland fighting to recover their children after they were removed by social services following parental competency tests known as FKUs.These tests were used to determine if parents were fit to care for their children, leading to devastating outcomes for numerous families. In May 2025, the Danish government banned these assessments for Greenlandic families, acknowledging the longstanding criticisms of the system, despite their ongoing use for other families.Supporters of the tests claim they offer an objective measure of parental fitness, while critics allege they perpetuate cultural biases, as they are administered in Danish rather than the mother tongue of most Greenlanders, creating potential misunderstandings.Research shows that Greenlandic parents are statistically more likely to have their children taken from them compared to Danish parents. As the government pledges to review cases involving Greenlandic families, the reality remains that many parents, like Keira, are left waiting in anguish for a chance to reunite with their children.Keira’s case is emblematic of a broader issue, reflecting systemic failures and cultural misunderstandings within Denmark's child welfare system. Although recent reviews aim to address past injustices, numerous families continue to experience the pain of separation as they strive for recognition and the right to parent their children.
