The Sør-Øst Conflict Council reported a significant increase in youth criminal cases, receiving 25 cases in 2025 compared to just 12 cases in 2024, which equates to a striking 108% rise. This trend is attributed to recent legislative changes and a notable uptick in serious youth crime. Enhanced resources for the police, particularly through an expedited processing initiative, have also contributed to the faster arrival of cases to the Conflict Council.

Elli Graf, the head of the Sør-Øst Conflict Council, stated that the rise in youth criminal cases connects closely with legal amendments introduced in the autumn of 2024 and a worrying trend in the severity of child and youth crime. The council emphasizes that the imprisonment of minors should only be a last resort, which results in more serious youth cases being funneled into their system. Despite the rising number of cases, Graf highlighted that their responses to youth crime have been effective, with nearly 79% of youth successfully completing their sentences.

The complexity and seriousness of the cases being handled have increased as well, with the council observing that younger offenders are becoming involved in more severe incidents. While the rise in numbers may seem alarming, the council remains optimistic about the impact of their interventions, suggesting that many youth are responding positively to the consequences of their actions, which bodes well for future crime rates among minors in Norway.