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Young people and crime
Information for young people about crime, the support available from social services, and how mediation works for those who have committed an offense or been harmed.
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Quick summary of each heading on the page
Please note that all forms, digital applications (e-services) and some linked websites are currently in Swedish. Contact Citizen Service if you need help in English.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND CRIME – OVERVIEW AND SUPPORT
How common is it?
Many young people commit a crime at some point. A smaller group accounts for a large share of youth crime.
Common risk factors
Repeat offending is often linked to problems at school and at home. Young people often spend time with others who commit crimes and hold a permissive attitude toward offending.
When social services get involved
If you are under eighteen and suspected of a crime, social services become involved. The purpose is to provide support and protection and to reduce the risk of further offenses.
What social services do
Social services make contact, assess needs, offer support, and follow up. Interventions are planned together with you and, when relevant, your guardians.
If you need to talk
You can receive counseling and support to manage anxiety, conflicts, relationships, and the consequences of the incident.
MEDIATION IN CRIMINAL CASES
What mediation is
Mediation is a voluntary meeting between the person who committed an offense and the person who was harmed. Both must want to take part.
When mediation can be used
Mediation takes place after an admitted offense or after a court judgment. It can concern, for example, shoplifting, theft, vandalism, or assault.
Who mediation is for
Mediation is primarily aimed at young people aged fifteen to twenty-one who have committed offenses, and at the person who was harmed.
The purpose of mediation
You talk about what happened and its consequences. The goal is to reduce negative effects, increase understanding, and lower the risk of reoffending.
How mediation is prepared
An impartial mediator meets each party separately. You go through the event, questions, and what you want to bring up at the meeting.
How the meeting works
The mediator leads the conversation. You can tell your story, ask questions, describe the consequences, and discuss how to make amends.
If you have committed an offense
You can show remorse, take responsibility, and apologize. Mediation can make it easier to face the person who was harmed in the future.
If you have been harmed
You can ask questions, explain how you were affected, and put a face to the person who hurt you. It can make it easier to move on.
Responsibilities and legal framework
Since 1 January 2008, municipalities must offer mediation when the offender is under twenty-one. The National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) supervises the service and issues guidelines.
Cooperation between authorities
The police, the public prosecutor, the probation service, and social services work together in mediation to ensure the process is safe, legally sound, and supportive for both parties.
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Contact
Team Mottagning
E-mail: kommunen@boden.se
Phone: +46 921 629 99