Sweden Advances Youth Prisons for 13-Year-Old Offenders with New Rosersberg Facility

Sweden is moving forward with its plan to establish youth prisons for young offenders aged 13 and above, replacing the traditional closed youth care system. The Rosersberg facility, located north of Stockholm, is a key part of this initiative and will be among eight prisons preparing to accommodate minors.

Rosersberg will feature four separate units, each housing six young offenders, providing a highly supervised environment with an anticipated staff-to-inmate ratio of one to one during open hours. Facility manager Gabriel Wessman highlighted that the new cells, currently under construction, measure eight square meters and include essentials such as a bed, desk, and a TV secured behind plexiglass.

To create a safer and rehabilitative environment, youths will be completely separated from adult inmates and have access to dedicated sports facilities, recreational spaces, and healthcare services. Education will be delivered in small classes, staffed by seven to eight teachers across the four units. Personal items allowed include photos, drawings, books, and approved stuffed animals; however, mobile phones, tablets, and violent video games will be prohibited.

Wessman acknowledged the challenges posed by the lack of social media access but underscored that this also reduces outside gang influence. The aim is to support young offenders in changing their life trajectories with collaboration from social services and rehabilitation organizations. Criminal care inspector Pia Wihlborg emphasized fostering a secure environment vital for youth involved in gangs to help them break away from criminal lifestyles.

The government and the Sweden Democrats’ initiative targets serious crimes committed by the youngest offenders, such as murder and bombings, ensuring that 13- and 14-year-olds receive focused incarceration and support tailored to their needs. Compared to previous closed youth care programs, which saw a 90% recidivism rate among gang-affiliated youth, the new youth prison model, coupled with post-release supervision, aims to reduce reoffending.

Interest among correctional staff to work in these youth units remains high, with emphasis on recruiting personnel specialized in addressing the complex needs of young offenders.