Number of minors sentenced to prison doubles in Finland over last decade

The number of minors aged 15 to 17 sentenced to prison has more than doubled over the last decade, with a sharp increase noted after the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, 62 minors received prison sentences, predominantly young boys, serving their time in Helsinki, Vantaa, and Turku. There are two designated spots for girls at Hämeenlinna prison, but female inmates remain rare. New facilities for underage boys are being planned in Oulu and Vantaa, with Oulu also aiming to accommodate girls. There is an urgent need for additional space, according to Maaret Lundahl, assistant director of Helsinki Prison.

In the early 2000s, minors in prison were an exception, whereas now they occupy designated sections that are nearly full. Many young offenders have committed serious crimes, including violent offenses and robbery. The police have expressed concern over a disturbing rise in youth violence and robbery among adolescents in recent years. There has also been an increase in drug use and drug-related fatalities within this demographic.

The situation is complicated by the fact that some minors are held as detainees while others are serving sentences. Due to overcrowding, they sometimes have to wait in the detention area before being transferred to the main prison population. Facilities for minors differ little from those for adults, as found in Helsinki’s prison, where areas previously meant for adults are now used for young inmates.

While most minors coexist peacefully, conflicts can arise from pre-existing relationships. The need for more placements is partly driven by the necessity to separate individuals with a history of conflict. Authorities emphasize the importance of ensuring a safe and rehabilitation-focused environment for young offenders. Some young inmates successfully redirect their lives post-incarceration, while others may relapse into criminal behavior. Support systems must remain in place throughout their transition back into society to help prevent recidivism.