Sweden enhances oversight of residential care homes amid crime concerns

A police report released last summer revealed that several residential care homes are run by organized and family-based criminal networks. In response, the government has tasked the Swedish Health and Social Care Inspectorate (Ivo) with enhancing oversight of these facilities.

“All welfare-related crime must be combated,” said Camilla Waltersson Grönvall, emphasizing that these services care for children whom society has taken responsibility for, and there should be no doubts about maintaining high-quality operations.

The assignment includes collaborating with the Police Authority and the Economic Crime Authority to streamline oversight efforts. For 2024, Ivo will receive an additional 6 million SEK on top of the existing 17 million SEK already allocated for inspections. In 2025, funding will increase to 28 million SEK, with plans for a nationwide assessment of ownership and management practices.

Waltersson Grönvall expects tangible results. “With this significant increase in funding, I expect the authority to review every single residential care home,” she said.

If Ivo identifies facilities with criminal links, there is a concern about a potential shortage of residential homes and supported living options. However, Waltersson Grönvall believes alternative placements can be found in collaboration with local municipalities.

“The risk of having children and young people in the hands of criminals is the greatest risk I see right now,” Waltersson Grönvall stated.

In summary, Ivo is tasked with improving supervision of facilities caring for children and youth, exploring enhancements to ownership and management evaluations, and enhancing collaborative measures with law enforcement authorities for better oversight in this sector.