Sweden Prepares Prisons for Juvenile Incarceration Ahead of Lowered Criminal Responsibility Age

Sweden's prison system is undergoing significant preparations to accommodate juvenile inmates aged 13 to 17 in anticipation of a new government proposal that would lower the age of criminal responsibility for serious crimes. Kriminalvården, the Swedish prison and probation service, is revising prison uniforms to fit younger offenders and developing educational programs aimed at this specific age group, planning for the first facilities to be operational by July 1, 2026. These facilities will have a capacity of 100-150 places distributed across eight prisons, including Kumla, with designated units for boys and girls.

The education regime will be robust, offering approximately 23 hours of schooling per week to support rehabilitation efforts. However, the initiative has faced strong criticism from child rights organizations like Barnrättsbyrån. Elin Wernquist, the Bureau's Secretary General, voiced concerns that lowering the criminal responsibility age could have detrimental effects on the children’s futures and successful reintegration into society. Experts warn that it may increase risks such as gang recruitment among younger children and question the evidence supporting the policy's effectiveness in reducing crime.

Further complicating this transition are reports of challenging conditions within existing prisons. Former staff member Erla, who worked in Swedish prisons, described environments marked by intimidation and violence. She recounted personal experiences of being threatened by inmates including murderers and stalkers, noting a culture of silence driven by fear of retaliation which prevents both staff and inmates from speaking out about the harsh realities inside.

Kriminalvården acknowledges these challenges, admitting issues like overcrowding but commits to creating a safe and effective environment for young offenders under the new policy. The planned adjustments reflect efforts to address the unique needs of juvenile inmates while balancing security and rehabilitation within the Swedish criminal justice framework.