SSPF – broad cooperation to support young people

SSPF stands for schools, social services, police and youth services. It is a national model for cooperation aimed at preventing crime among young people. Through SSPF, different services can share knowledge and coordinate their efforts, taking both risk factors and strengths into account.

“New legislation, combined with consent from parents or guardians, enables the police, social services, schools and youth services to work together to provide support and jointly assess protective and risk factors,” says Robert Qvarnström.

Together with his colleague Cecilia Meskanen, he coordinates SSPF in Boden Municipality. In Boden, SSPF is coordinated by the Employment and Education Administration, primarily because schools can help identify early signs that a young person may need support.

One thing that gives SSPF an additional tool and perspective is the opportunity to include meaningful leisure activities as a natural part of the support.

“This means we can offer a broad range of support. It’s not just about sports and physical activities, but also art or other activities that build on the child’s strengths and interests,” explains Cecilia Meskanen.

Through SSPF, everyone works towards the same goal, with a shared action plan and specific measures.

“As a parent or guardian, you have nothing to lose by taking part. It creates a sense of security and can only bring benefits. The more people there are supporting the child, the better.”