Addressing Youth Delinquency: Solutions Beyond Imprisonment

Amid heavy police presence and wearing saliva masks, officers escorted wayward children back to their child welfare institution. Upon arrival, they were greeted by social workers in slippers, reflecting a stark contrast to the serious circumstances of their return.

So captures the essence of psychologist Heidi Svendsen’s observations regarding a troubling reality faced by some of our most vulnerable children. Two distinct agencies grapple with the same troubling issue: the rise of juvenile crime.

“There is a significant gap between the reality we face and the resources available to us,” she explains.

With years of experience working with at-risk youths, Svendsen highlights a concerning spectrum of behaviors.

“We’re witnessing everything from 15-year-olds exhibiting severe violence and a startling lack of empathy, to 12-year-olds who are filled with trepidation, unsure of the dangerous paths they’ve been led down. Each requires a different approach,” she continues.

Her insights are rooted in a broad understanding of the issues at hand.

Calls have intensified for the establishment of closed institutionsclosed institutionsThese facilities restrict residents’ freedom of movement to maintain safety and prevent escape, a strategy designed to minimize risks. for delinquent youths. However, Svendsen cautions against merely locking doors.

“In Sweden, the gathering of troubled youths in enclosed settings has led to escalating issues. Research suggests no preventive benefit from such measures. We must not allow child protection institutions in Norway to devolve into glorified prisons,” she asserts.

1,258 Children Missing

The police describe this unsettling trend as “Violence as a Service,” where crime can be ordered just like any other commodity.

Norwegian youths, alarmingly young, find themselves embroiled in horrific acts. Reports confirm that boys as young as 12 and 13 are being recruited to commit murder and engage in other violent acts.

“This is cross-border crime, with Norwegian children being drawn into acts of violence as far away as abroad. The challenges we face are daunting; the police cannot tackle this crisis in isolation,” warns Jane Bechmann Dahl, who leads the Oslo police district’s joint prevention unit.

Alarmingly, those drawn into crime need not be institutionalized. One 13-year-old suspected in a grenade attack in Bislett this fall was returned home to his parents instead of being placed in care, revealing gaps in intervention practices.

In response to escalating concerns, authorities are advocating for more institutional placements, including some with restricted access, to better serve these children and shield them from harmful environments.

“It’s imperative that criminally inclined youths under child protection are not left to roam freely. We know that those who escape institutions are often at increased danger of committing crimes,” Dahl emphasizes.

In 2024 alone, records indicate 3,184 escapes from Norwegian child welfare institutions, figures obtained by Aftenposten reveal.

Vulnerable Children in Institutions

For children under 15, prison is not an option; they fall under the jurisdiction of child protective services. However, the influx of multiple delinquent youths poses substantial challenges.

Psychologist Svendsen, who has served on three government-appointed expert groups, possesses valuable insights garnered from extensive research into effective interventions.

“We must put an end to the blame game between the justice system, child protection, and health sectors. Collaboration is paramount to better address the unique needs of each child. Do they require detox, mental health treatment, or simply a safe space?” she asserts.

Collaboration with the children themselves is vital to prevent exacerbating their circumstances.

Recently, a significant initiative unfolded in Rogaland, where various agencies united to tackle the issues faced by young offenders.

The BufdirsBufdirsThe Directorate for Children, Youth and Families, a governmental body addressing matters of child protection, family welfare, adoption, and domestic violence. is tasked with identifying institutional services capable of providing effective care to these delinquent youths. Their efforts include conducting security assessments alongside law enforcement, aiming to heighten staffing and implement safety measures.

“Do we have the appropriate placements available?”

“We manage several institutions geared towards effectively supporting troubled youths involved in crime. However, collaboration with external services—such as police, health, and educational programs—is crucial. Sometimes, tailor-made interventions are necessary to provide the best care for these young individuals while safeguarding staff safety,” explains director Hege Nilssen.

It is alarming to note that children in institutions are especially susceptible to manipulation by organized crime.

A recent communication from Oslo’s Child and Family Agency (BFE) to all child welfare managers called for an elevated level of vigilance regarding children’s digital access, highlighting the need for proactive safeguarding measures.

Bufdir stands in favor of amending child protection laws to ensure interventions extend to preventing children from falling into criminality.

Bufdir: Institutions Are Not Prisons

“Temporary restrictions on freedom are necessary to protect these children during critical periods,” asserts Hege Nilssen.

However, Bufdir acknowledges a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the long-term consequences of such coercive measures. Nilssen points to studies from other countries about closed institutions, which suggest that confinement can hinder a child’s development.

Nonetheless, Bufdir is actively exploring enhanced institutional offerings.

“It’s crucial to remember that child welfare institutions are not prisons. Young residents should lead as normal a life as possible, maintaining friendships, schooling, and participation in activities,” emphasizes Nilssen.

What Actually Works?

According to psychologist Svendsen, effective solutions do exist.

“Many of these youths possess remarkable street smarts and can thrive if approached with understanding and proper guidance,” she states.

In her experience, the most impactful measure is providing at-risk children with a combination of employment opportunities, healthcare, and a sense of community.

“These youths often yearn for belonging. When they can’t find it elsewhere, they become prime targets for criminal organizations. Our focus must be on offering them appealing alternatives that make legal work as attractive as crime,” she concludes.