In brief
After the Danish government banned problematic parenting tests for Greenlandic families in May, numerous parents are now challenging the social services decisions that led to their children's removal. Families like Keira's, separated shortly after childbirth, are determined to reunite despite systemic biases that favor Danish cultural norms in assessments. Keira, whose daughter Zammi was taken just hours after birth, recalls the moment with profound grief, exemplifying the anguish faced by many in similar situations. The government's slow review of past cases leaves families hopeful yet anxious about the future.
Right when she came out, I started counting the minutes, Keira, 39, recalls. I kept looking at the clock to see how long we had. When the moment came for Zammi to be taken from her arms, Keira says she sobbed uncontrollably, whispering sorry to her baby. It felt like a part of my soul died.
Now Keira is one of many Greenlandic families living on the Danish mainland who are fighting to get their children returned to them after they were removed by social services. In such cases, babies and children were taken away after parental competency tests - known in Denmark as FKUs - were used to help assess whether they were fit to be parents.
In May this year, the Danish government banned the use of these tests on Greenlandic families after decades of criticism, although they continue to be used on other families in Denmark. Defenders of the tests argue they provide a more objective method of assessment, while critics say they are culturally biased and lack predictive validity regarding parenting abilities.
Greenlandic parents in Denmark are significantly more likely to have their children taken into care compared to Danish parents. Despite the government's intent to review past cases, progress has been slow, leaving families in limbo.
Keira prepares for her daughter Zammi's first birthday, determined to continue her fight for family reunification, emphasizing that if she doesn't pursue it, it will become a battle for her children in the future. I will not stop fighting for my children, she insists.
