Sweden reforms SiS youth care institutions

The Swedish government is taking steps to reform the State Institutions Board (SiS), addressing long-standing issues within the country’s closed youth care institutions. For over a decade, reports have highlighted poor quality, including incidents of abuse, assault, and suicide within these facilities.

A significant legislative change was approved by the Riksdag on August 13, allowing children aged 14 and older to be sentenced to prison. Consequently, convicted youths will now be placed under the supervision of the Prison and Probation Service rather than SiS. Additionally, a special investigation launched in 2024 to strengthen state child and youth care mandates has recently submitted its findings.