Púlsinn assesses retaliation risk after youth violence

Púlsinn, an emergency response team for young people, assesses the risk of retaliation when cases of violence involving children arise, mbl.is reports. Its aim is to prevent further violence and provide children and their families with support as soon as possible.

Team leader Andrea Marel Þorsteinsdóttir said the team works with 10- to 18-year-olds who use or threaten physical violence. She spoke to mbl.is after a serious assault in Mjódd in late September, amid recent media coverage of several cases of violence among young people. She said she could not confirm whether Púlsinn had been involved in any individual cases.

After an incident, the team assesses whether further clashes may occur in the following days or weeks, including as a result of retaliation. It also looks into the reasons for a child’s behaviour and what support they may need.

Support while further help is arranged

Schools, youth centres, police, social services, child protection services and other providers can request Púlsinn’s involvement. A parent or guardian must agree, and the team works closely with the family and professionals handling the case.

Andrea said services for children are under heavy pressure. Púlsinn can provide immediate support while suitable services are identified and further assistance is arranged if needed. In some cases, no additional intervention is required.

The team’s involvement is temporary and may last several weeks, sometimes six to eight weeks. The municipality where the child is legally resident follows up after Púlsinn’s work ends.

Work with youth services and police

Púlsinn works closely with Flotinn, a mobile youth centre, and community police. Andrea said the organisations regularly consult one another and provide mutual support in cases involving young people in vulnerable situations in the capital region.

Although she could not confirm involvement in specific cases, Andrea said it could generally be expected that relevant professionals, such as child protection workers, social services or Púlsinn, would take part when serious violence involving children or young people is reported to police.

Púlsinn’s staff include social workers, psychologists and individual counsellors with experience supporting children and young people facing difficulties. Andrea said some cases primarily involve problems in relationships, while others may be linked to trauma, difficult circumstances at home or other distress that requires further help.

She stressed that children and their families should feel supported after violent incidents, which can be among the most difficult moments for everyone involved.