The Finnish government is planning to increase the maximum duration of youth sentences from one year to two years as part of new legislative proposals aimed at juvenile offenders. This initiative seeks to make youth sentences more applicable to minors who commit crimes, particularly when previous crimes or the severity of their actions warrant such a decision. The proposed changes are a response to the challenges prosecutors face when dealing with a growing number of juvenile cases.

Currently, youth sentencing is reserved for offenders aged 15 to 17 and is typically applied when fines are deemed insufficient but imprisonment is viewed as too harsh. Under the new regulations, the criteria for imposing youth sentences would be expanded, allowing consideration of the seriousness of an offense alone as a sufficient basis for sentencing. This marks a significant shift in how juvenile crime is handled legally, potentially leading to longer sentences for young offenders.

According to the Ministry of Justice, these changes could increase the number of youth sentences from the current individual judgments to about 100-150 per year, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the need for more substantial and rehabilitative punitive measures for young people involved in criminal activities. The proposal underscores the government's commitment to balancing justice for victims with rehabilitation opportunities for youth offenders.