Maskrosbarn, Sweden

The Swedish children’s rights organisation Maskrosbarn (“Dandelion Children”, meaning resilient children) supports young people from families facing challenges related to substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence.

About the project

Maskrosbarn supports young people aged 13–19 who have parents struggling with substance abuse, mental health issues, or who expose them to domestic violence. All of the organisation’s services are free of charge.

At their youth centres, Maskrosbarn offers recreational activities, counselling, and guidance in navigating social services. Young people can also receive individual support from a Maskrosbarn staff member, known as a “coach”. This is a programme carried out in partnership with the child welfare services, which approve and fund the support for both children living at home and those in foster care.

Through these activities, participants build meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community. Young people gain positive experiences in a safe environment, as well as knowledge about their own situation and their rights.

Staff members have both relevant professional qualifications and personal experience of growing up in families affected by substance abuse, mental health problems, or domestic violence. The organisation was founded in 2005 by Therése Jarland and Denise Madsen, both of whom experienced neglect in their own childhoods.

Maskrosbarn also carries out advocacy work, knowledge sharing, and information activities within the Swedish school system.

Kavli Trust has supported Maskrosbarn with two million Norwegian kroner to establish their services in Malmö.