Today’s news / Cities halt psychological testing of Greenlandic parents
Following encouragement from the Institute for Human Rights and coverage in the media, the Municipality of Esbjerg has decided to stop using psychological tests that are not language- and culture-adapted for Greenlandic parents, in parental competence exams. (Archive photo). Photo: Henning Bagger/Ritzau Scanpix

Cities halt psychological testing of Greenlandic parents

Esbjerg and Copenhagen municipalities have stopped using psychological tests in child removal cases involving Greenlandic parents, a move that follows concerns about discrimination and cultural insensitivity. Lise Willer from Esbjerg stated the tests do not accurately reflect Greenlandic communication methods, leading to doubts benefiting the citizens in such cases. The decision was finalized after the Danish Institute for Human Rights suggested such assessments might be discriminatory. Copenhagen awaits new guidelines from the Social and Housing Ministry on adapting tests for Greenlandic language and culture. However, both municipalities will not revisit past cases where these tests were used unless complaints arise. In early 2023, the Danish government allocated 7.8 million kroner to develop culturally sensitive parental tests, but the initiative was paused later due to its complexity.