The document summarizes the personal ombudsman (PO) system in Sweden which provides supported decision-making for individuals. An evaluation found the PO system resulted in individuals feeling better able to control their lives, measurable effects within 18 months, long-lasting effects, and less use of compulsory psychiatric services. The PO system costs an average of 4,500 euros per individual per year and saves over 11,500 euros annually compared to costs without a PO. A key aspect of the PO system is that it is 100% directed by the individual client and aims to support autonomy as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

1. Personal Ombudsmen –
Supported Decision-Making in Practice
Presentation by Anna Nilsson
“Looking Globally, Legislating Locally: The Irish Legal Capacity Bill”
Dublin 4 April 2012

2. Outline
• Overview of the Personal Ombudsman system (PO) in Sweden.
• The PO system match international human rights law, CRPD in
particular.
• And it’s cost effective.
Lund University / Faculty of Law / Jur. kand Anna Nilsson, doctoral student / 04/04/12

3. Brief background
• PO system was born in 1995, part of a larger reform
• ”something was missing”
• Started with 10 pilot projects
• Evaluated by national Board of Health and Social Welfare
Lund University / Faculty of Law / Jur. kand Anna Nilsson, doctoral student / 04/04/12

4. Results of the evaluation
• Persons felt better in charge of their lives.
• Effects occurred measurable already after 18 months
• Effects were long-lasting
• Effects were particularly positive when:
– service coordination were lacking
– persons used a wide range of support/ care services
• No significant differences depending on gender, age or place of residence.
• Less effect of persons very complex needs
• Shift in the type of services used. From compulsory psychiatric care to community based
support services.
Lund University / Faculty of Law / Jur. kand Anna Nilsson, doctoral student / 04/04/12

5. In figures
• Prior/ without PO: 40.000 €/ individual/ year
• 5-7% spent on ’empowering’ services
• After 18 months: saving 11.500 €/ individual/ year
• Five year perspective: saving 18.000 €/ individual/ year
• The PO service costs 4.500 €/ individual/ year
Lund University / Faculty of Law / Jur. kand Anna Nilsson, doctoral student / 04/04/12

6. How does the PO work?
• 100 % on the commission of the client
• Long-term engagement
• Support to identify needs, get access to services, coordination
• Representation requires a power of attorney.
• “Friend”, “memory”, “witness” or “advocate”
Lund University / Faculty of Law / Jur. kand Anna Nilsson, doctoral student / 04/04/12

7. ”Success factors” of PO Skåne
• Flexible working hours
• No office
• No bureaucratic procedure
• No records
• Focus on develop trustful relationship
• Flexible support
• Good advocacy skills
Lund University / Faculty of Law / Jur. kand Anna Nilsson, doctoral student / 04/04/12

8. Good CRPD match
• The PO is 100% a support-system
• Autonomy strengthening effects
• Confirm the close connection between art 12 and 19 in CRPD.
Lund University / Faculty of Law / Jur. kand Anna Nilsson, doctoral student / 04/04/12