The Government proposes in a bill that young people placed in special youth homes with elevated security levels should be locked in their rooms at night, so-called isolation.
The purpose is primarily to prevent threats and violence between young people and against staff. But also escapes.
The National Board of Institutions (Sis) has pointed out that there have been frequent violent incidents at youth homes with elevated security levels in recent times. Among other things, it has happened on several occasions that a young person has been subjected to violence by a group of other young people at night.
According to Sis, the threats and violence that occur between the placed and against the staff have become increasingly severe. The homes with high security levels house, among others, young people who have been convicted of serious crimes and have connections to gang criminality.
"Threats and violence have no place in Sis homes. Yet, it is all too common, especially at night", comments Minister for Social Affairs Camilla Waltersson Grönvall (M) in a press release.
The Children's Ombudsman (BO) has warned in its response that many children feel unwell at night and that locking in can worsen their well-being. BO emphasizes that locking in at night must not be used routinely or as punishment.
The measure may not last for more than nine hours at a time.
The young person must have the opportunity to call for staff.
A decision on isolation in connection with daily rest shall apply for a maximum of 30 days.
Nighttime locking in may not occur if there is a significant risk to the young person's health or development.
The legislative changes are proposed to come into force on December 15, 2024.
Source: The Government's bill 2024/25:41
