The Swedish government and the Sweden Democrats are advancing towards establishing youth prisons as part of their reform initiative to address juvenile crime. By July 1, three prisons—Rosersberg, Kumla, and Sagsjön—will begin receiving minors aged 13 and above. This new policy aims to phase out the current closed juvenile care system, allowing for stricter measures against young offenders involved in serious crimes. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer emphasized that the reform is designed to enhance societal protection against serious crimes and to improve the treatment of young offenders compared to existing systems.

Under this initiative, designated youth prison sections will be established within existing adult facilities, ensuring that minors are segregated from adult inmates. The emphasis is on addressing serious offenses, particularly among younger juveniles aged 13-14, who may be involved in severe crimes such as murder and violent bombings. The provisions include specific regimens for confinement, allowing minors to be restricted to their rooms overnight for up to eleven hours, which is less than the fourteen-hour confinement rule for adults. This change represents a major shift in Sweden’s approach to juvenile justice, aiming to balance rehabilitation with public safety.

As the legislative proposal moves forward, concerns are likely to arise regarding the impact of incarcerating minors on their development and societal reintegration. Critics of the reform may voice apprehensions over the effectiveness of prison as a deterrent for young offenders, stressing the need for preventative measures and mental health support, rather than punitive approaches. The success of this initiative will depend on its implementation and the comprehensive support systems that accompany such a significant policy change in juvenile justice.