Concern Grows Over Staff Violence Against Children in Swedish Care Facilities

Increasing reports of staff violence against children within Swedish care institutions are raising serious concerns, with advocates calling for urgent reform. The Barnrättsbyrån has highlighted a troubling trend in which the use of physical interventions, especially isolation, has notably escalated in recent years, despite an overall decrease in youth violence and conflicts among staff.

In 2024, Swedish care facilities recorded 1,705 incidents of isolation and non-fulfilled isolations—methods used to control and restrain children exhibiting aggressive behavior. This figure represents a significant rise, prompting alarm among child rights advocates. Elin Wernquist, the secretary general of Barnrättsbyrån, pointed out that while some forms of violence among youths have decreased, the increased reliance on isolation techniques raises questions about the legality and ethics of such practices. Wernquist argued that these interventions are being misused in routine situations, violating children's rights.

In defense of their practices, Birgitta Dahlberg, the youth care director at the Statens institutionsstyrelse (Sis), stated that isolation is employed as a last resort and that staff are trained to manage conflicts through dialogue and supportive measures. However, this justification has failed to allay public concerns over the rising number of reported incidents.

Reflecting on these issues, the Swedish government is planning significant changes, including dissolving Sis and forming a new authority dedicated to child care and rehabilitation. This shift aims to address the systemic failures that have led to increased isolation and violence in facilities. The future of child care in Sweden is now under scrutiny as stakeholders seek to find a balance between safety and the rights of vulnerable children.