Published: Less than 40 min ago
The problems that exist with the handling of young people in state youth homes must come to an end, according to Janna Törneman, child rights advisor at Unicef Sweden.
– That the bad conditions continue shows that there has not been the development and improvement that we have hoped for for many years, she says.
The Inspectorate for Care and Care (Ivo) has released a report which shows that children and young people in state youth homes have been exposed to violence, threats, serious violations and coercive measures that are not supported by law. Ivo criticizes Sis for serious deficiencies in 19 out of 21 youth homes inspected in 2021-2022.
The problems highlighted in the report are something that various organizations that work for children’s rights have been raising the alarm about for many years, according to Janna Törneman.
– It is nothing new, but very alarming, she says.
Challenges with staff
Among the issues that Ivo raises in the report is that girls are particularly exposed to unauthorized coercive measures, and that there is a connection between deficiencies in the accommodation and the staff’s competence.
– It is a challenge for Sis to find the right staff. But I think that a country that Sweden must be able to cope with, to take care of one of society’s most vulnerable groups in a way where the staff has the right skills. We must be able to expect that, says Janna Törneman.
In order to make the problems at the youth homes go away, the UN agency Unicef Sweden believes that, among other things, it is necessary to invest in the Sis homes and train more staff.
– Above all, we think that the government together with responsible authorities must really ensure that children in locked environments receive care and treatment as needed, are met with respect, and have all their rights met.
“More is required”
Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Grönvall (M) has said that it “went way too far”. According to the minister, the government is, among other things, reviewing Si’s assignment, and investigations into the assignment are already underway today. But according to Janna Törneman, the efforts are not enough.
– We are happy about the expression of will. But more investment and action is needed.
Nor is the nine-week basic training for all newly hired employees, in parallel with training efforts for the other staff established by Sis, sufficient according to Unicef.
– It is good that they see the needs, and that they take measures, but I have followed Sis for a long time, and I have heard these things for a long time. I don’t see that nine weeks of basic training is enough. It takes more to get hold of the right staff with the right skills, says Janna Törneman.