Sweden to Introduce Youth Prisons for Teenagers Committing Serious Crimes
Young people between the ages of 15 and 17 who commit serious crimes in Sweden may soon face a different approach to their punishment. Currently, they are sentenced to care within the State Board of Institutions and end up in so-called Sis homes. However, the Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer believes that the correctional service needs a different experience and capacity to handle this specific age group.
According to Strömmer, special departments should be built, specifically tailored to the needs of young offenders, focusing on training and treatment to help them rehabilitate and prevent relapse into criminal activities. Strömmer expressed this view during an interview with Dagens Industri.
To meet the proposed changes, prisons specifically designed for young offenders need to be ready for use no later than July 1, 2026. This timeline is significantly earlier than what was initially suggested by the inquiry, which estimated that the plans could realistically become a reality by 2028.
Several representatives of the four Tidö parties have published a debate article in Aftonbladet, stating that the prisons should be completed by July 1, 2026, and urging the government to expedite the process. The government has taken note of the urgency and has given the assignment before the referral period expires in December 2023.
Minister Strömmer emphasized the importance of expediting the process, stating, “We want to get to the bottom of the issues as quickly as possible.”
To support the establishment of youth prisons, the Correctional Service will receive additional funding. SEK 17 million will be provided in 2025, followed by an additional SEK 100 million in 2026.
In 2024, a bill will be presented outlining the specifics of the youth prison system. The move is seen as a proactive effort to address the needs of young offenders, aiming to provide them with better rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood of future criminal behavior.
The proposed introduction of youth prisons in Sweden reflects the government’s commitment to tackle the issue of youth crime comprehensively and help young offenders reintegrate into society successfully.