Tragic Death of 14-Year-Old at Sis Home Raises Questions About Treatment
Kalle, a 14-year-old, tragically died by suicide in his room at a Sis home for girls. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment he received leading up to his death. In the weeks prior, Kalle had alerted his mother about poor treatment from the staff.
The State Board of Institutions (Sis) is now conducting investigations to determine how this unfortunate event could have happened. Si’s press secretary, Jesper Lindberg, expressed that they are committed to clarifying the circumstances surrounding Kalle’s death.
Aftonbladet recently reported on Kalle’s story. Kalle, who was born as a girl with the name Kayla, was transferred from a foster family to the Sis home Folåsa for girls on June 7. Unfortunately, on August 6, Kalle was found dead in his room.
Si’s press secretary, Jesper Lindberg, declined to comment on individual cases but provided a general response to Aftonbladet’s questions via email.
The Folåsa institution has made a Lex Sarah report and reported a serious misconduct to the Inspectorate for Care and Care (IVO). Kalle’s mother, Zanele, has expressed frustration over the lack of answers she has received from Folåsa. She questions why Kalle was isolated and critical of the decision to place him in a home for girls.
In terms of suicide prevention, Si’s press secretary highlighted the importance of providing individual care based on the young person’s needs. If there is a risk of suicide, decisions regarding supervision and care must prioritize the safety of the individual. However, the precise amount of time a locked-up child can be left alone is not clearly defined.
When asked about Sis’s approach to children with gender dysphoria, the press secretary emphasized that Sis has the opportunity to collaborate with relevant authorities for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment and care are tailored to the individual’s needs and wishes. Regarding Kalle’s case, Si’s representatives were unable to confirm any collaboration with the BUP, a child and adolescent psychiatric unit.
The decision to place Kalle in a youth home for girls, despite identifying as a boy and being identified as such by social services, has raised questions. Si’s press secretary stated that a balanced assessment is made in each individual situation, but declined to provide further comment.
Si’s guideline for the placement of children with a perceived gender identity other than their legal gender emphasizes the importance of considering the individual’s own experience and ensuring their opinions are heard. If this is not possible, alternative methods of understanding the young person’s perspective should be explored.
The tragic death of Kalle has prompted a critical examination of the treatment and care provided within Sis homes. As investigations unfold, it is hoped that answers will be provided to Kalle’s grieving family and that steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.