Overview
- The Ministry of Justice confirmed that separate youth units will include 13- and 14-year-olds starting 1 July 2026.
- The liberal-conservative government proposes lowering criminal responsibility for particularly serious crimes to cover 13–14-year-olds.
- Initial capacity is planned at roughly 100–150 places across eight facilities, with six units for boys and two for girls.
- Younger teens will be housed separately from older youths, and officials say the measures must comply with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer says the policy aims to protect society and support children in leaving criminal networks.