At the age of 13, Louise Neo was placed in a Sis home.
During the time at the home, there was violence, sexual harassment and insults.
– It was a little less than three years of terror, I would like to describe it as, she says.
After being placed in 32 different care and foster families over the course of a year, Louise Neo lost faith in social services and could become angry. Then she was placed in a Sis home at the age of 13.
In total, she lived in Sis home for almost three years, a time that affected her very negatively.
– It remains, especially when I know that it is still going on today. It’s a trauma that has been difficult to talk about, as it also happened under state auspices, says Lousie Neo.
Couldn’t call the police
She describes how she felt disenfranchised and at the mercy of the staff at the homes. In some cases, she was also prevented from alerting the police.
– Sexual abuse, violence and insults could be committed, says Louise Neo.
Today, she is vice-president of the organization Sis-tjejer. The members are girls who live in Sis homes today or have done so in the past. They are working for the introduction of an independent alarm function, that families are allowed to visit and that forced visits and separations should be removed.
– This is not something that vulnerable children should have to go through, children should receive the right care, treatment, love and understanding, says Louise Neo.
Sis must be fundamentally reformed
The government announced today that it wants to close Sis and instead introduce a new form of state child and youth care. A special investigation has been appointed which should be ready by the end of April 2025. The name Sis is to be replaced and the aim is that the investigation should propose “a completely new organization and operation”.
– I am happy and proud that the government has decided that the authority we know today as Sis should be fundamentally reformed, said Minister of Social Services Camilla Waltersson Grönvall at a press conference where the news was presented.
The announcement that they want to shut down Sis was well received by Louise Neo, who welcomes a change.
– I started to shiver and felt is this true? It is still a bit difficult to take it in, but I really hope for a change because it is needed, says Louise Neo.