In brief
Greenlandic parents in Denmark are fighting to reclaim their children after being subjected to controversial parenting tests, which resulted in children being taken away under dubious circumstances. The Danish government recently banned these tests for Greenlandic families amidst accusations of cultural bias, but many families still struggle to reunite with their children. This report highlights the emotional trauma experienced by parents like Keira and Ulrik, who grapple with the loss of their children and the continued societal prejudices that surround their parenting abilities.
When Keira's daughter was born last November, she was given two hours with her before the baby was taken into care.
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.
The assessments, which usually take months to complete, are used in complex welfare cases where authorities believe children are at risk of neglect or harm.
Defenders of the tests say they offer a more objective method of assessment than the potentially anecdotal and subjective evidence of social workers. Critics contend they cannot meaningfully predict parenting capability and are designed around Danish cultural norms, administered in Danish rather than Kalaallisut, leading to misunderstandings. Greenlandic parents are 5.6 times more likely to have their children taken into care than their Danish counterparts, underscoring a systemic issue.
Keira and others affected remain hopeful despite the emotional strain, working tirelessly to challenge the system that deemed them unfit. The case continues to unfold as they await potential reforms that could lead to their children's return.
