A police report regarding violence at a children's home in Jönköping was closed, despite evidence of abuse by staff members against a child with disabilities.
In November, the municipality of Jönköping filed a police report concerning a child with extensive support needs due to a disability who had reportedly been locked in their room and subjected to violence. This incident came to light during a visit by a unit manager in the summer, when it was noticed that a staff member was shouting at and physically assaulting the child, who was in a distressed state. The revelation further cast a shadow on the care environment, as it was discovered that this abusive conduct had become an accepted practice among personnel over several years.
The unit manager, upon witnessing the incident, opted to report the matter as a misconduct to the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO) in early July 2025, prior to making a police report. Instead of immediately bringing the matter to the police, Jönköping municipality decided to conduct its own investigation into the matter. It was only after concluding this internal inquiry in November that a police report was finally filed, raising questions about the accountability and protective measures in place for vulnerable children in care facilities.
The decision to delay the police report has sparked concerns over how such incidents are handled within the social care system in Sweden, and whether adequate measures are in place to prevent abuse in children's homes. The case calls for a broader examination of policies and practices concerning the treatment of children with disabilities and the responsibilities of institutions in safeguarding their wellbeing.
