In brief
In Denmark, the use of parental competency tests known as FKUs has led to the removal of children from numerous Greenlandic families. Many parents, such as Keira and Johanne, describe the traumatic process of their children being taken away immediately after birth. The Danish government has recently banned these tests for Greenlandic families due to long-standing criticisms but continues to administer them to others. As parents seek justice and attempt to reunite with their children, they highlight systemic biases and cultural misunderstandings inherent in these assessments.
When Parenting Tests Lead to Heartbreak
When Keira's daughter was born last November, she was given just two hours with her before the baby, Zammi, was taken into care. Keira recalls the moment, counting the minutes as it approached, sobbing uncontrollably as she handed her baby over, feeling as if a part of her soul had died.
Keira's heartbreaking experience is shared by many Greenlandic families now living in Denmark, where they are fighting against child removal practices influenced by controversial parental competency tests. These assessments, known as FKUs, have faced significant criticism for being biased, particularly against families from Greenland.
Assessments Under Scrutiny
In May 2025, the Danish government banned the use of FKUs on Greenlandic families, yet they remain in place for others. Critics argue these tests, designed around Danish cultural norms, fail to assess parenting competency accurately and often lead to biased conclusions.
For example, Keira alleges that her assessment included irrelevant trivia and involved playing with a doll under scrutiny. After her evaluation in 2024, deemed lacking in necessary parenting skills, her children were removed from her care based on these flawed assessments.
Systemic Issues and Ongoing Struggles
Statistically, Greenlandic parents are 5.6 times more likely to lose custody of their children than their Danish counterparts. As the Danish government reviews select cases involving Greenlandic families, only a handful have made it through the appeals process without any children being returned thus far.
Keira, along with other parents like Johanne, who faced similar situations, continue to advocate for systemic changes. Protest and awareness campaigns highlight their struggles, calling attention to the lasting impact of discriminatory policies.
Hope for Reunification
Despite the pain of separation, Keira remains hopeful for the future, even preparing a traditional sleigh for Zammi's upcoming first birthday. With weekly supervised visits to her daughter, Keira fights not just for her child but for all victims of this unjust system, determined that her struggle will pave the way for the next generation.
