Norway allocates 800 million NOK to combat youth crime

The Norwegian government has announced an 800 million NOK allocation in next year's state budget to combat youth crime, representing a 120 million NOK increase. Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen and Child and Family Minister Lene Vågslid defended the administration against criticism from the Progress Party (Frp), which argued the government has been too slow to address criminal networks using minors to avoid prosecution.

Key components of the funding include 45.6 million NOK for child welfare institutions. This will support legislative changes allowing staff greater access to monitor electronic communications, such as mobile phones and internet usage, to detect contact with criminal networks. Additionally, the budget allocates 20 million NOK to strengthen the RISK model for preventing domestic violence and 15 million NOK to improve follow-up for children in the Conflict Council, specifically targeting those under 15.