Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
This guide explains key points about juvenile law for people in or near Östersund, Sweden. Juvenile law covers legal matters involving children and young people - for example criminal matters, care and custody, social services interventions, and schooling or health issues that have legal consequences. Swedish law treats children and young people differently than adults. The focus is usually on protection, rehabilitation and best interests of the child rather than punishment. Local authorities in Östersund work with national bodies such as the police, prosecutors and courts, and with specialized services like child and adolescent psychiatry.
There are many situations in juvenile law where a lawyer can help protect rights, explain options and represent the child or guardian. Common reasons to consult a lawyer include:
- A child or young person is suspected of a crime and is questioned by the police or charged by a prosecutor.
- A social services agency proposes a care order under the Care of Young Persons Act - LVU - or seeks other compulsory measures.
- Disputes about custody, visitation or parental responsibility in family law matters.
- Concerns about a child being placed in secure youth accommodation or other restrictive environments.
- Allegations of abuse, neglect or other serious risks where the child may need legal protection or where parents face legal consequences.
- Need to challenge a decision by an authority - for example an appeal against a social services decision or an administrative decision affecting the child.
- Guidance on rights to legal aid, representation in court, and how juvenile records are handled.
Key legal frameworks and local practices relevant in Östersund include:
- Age of criminal responsibility: In Sweden, the age of criminal responsibility is 15. Children under 15 are not prosecuted in criminal court. Instead, social services handle welfare responses and measures.
- Youths aged 15 to 17: These young people can be prosecuted, but courts and prosecutors treat them differently from adults. Sentencing aims to consider maturity, rehabilitation and alternatives to incarceration where possible.
- Care of Young Persons Act - LVU: LVU allows social services to apply for compulsory care when a child is at serious risk due to neglect, substance abuse, or other harmful conditions. Decisions are made by administrative courts and may result in placement outside the home.
- Social Services Act - SoL: Social services offer voluntary support and measures aimed at keeping the child in the family when possible. In Östersund, the social services department handles assessments, care plans and support measures.
- Criminal procedure for minors: Police, prosecutors and courts follow child-sensitive procedures. Minors have rights to an appointed legal counsel in criminal investigations and trials. Hearings may be adapted to the child - for example held in quieter rooms and with restricted public access.
- Confidentiality and parental involvement: Parents or guardians are usually notified about interventions, but there are exceptions for the child’s safety or confidentiality in certain health matters. Interpreters and child-friendly information should be provided when needed.
- Records and privacy: Records involving minors are handled with higher privacy protections. Criminal records and administrative files for young people are often subject to restricted access and may be sealed or expunged under certain conditions as they turn adult.
Children under 15 are not criminally responsible in Sweden. Instead, the police and social services collaborate to assess the situation. Social services may open a case, offer support measures, or arrange interventions focused on the child and family. The aim is protection and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
A person aged 15-17 has the right to a legal counsel when suspected of a crime. The police should inform the young person and their guardian of the right to counsel, and of other rights such as the right to remain silent and the right to an interpreter if needed. Courts will consider the youth’s age when imposing measures or penalties.
Yes, social services can request a compulsory care order under LVU if a child is at serious risk. The decision is made by an administrative court after application by social services. Compulsory care is used only when voluntary measures are insufficient and the child’s well-being is at substantial risk.
No. For 15-17 year-olds, the criminal justice system emphasizes different measures such as youth sanctions, treatment, supervision and rehabilitation. Custodial sentences are used more sparingly and conditions are adapted to the young person’s needs.
Look for attorneys experienced in family law, criminal law and child protection matters. You can contact the Swedish Bar Association to confirm qualifications and search for local firms that list juvenile law or family law expertise. Many lawyers offer an initial consultation to explain rights and next steps.
Parents are usually involved in cases concerning minors. However, there are situations where confidentiality is important for the child’s safety or welfare. A lawyer can advise on whether it is appropriate to limit parental involvement and on the legal obligations to inform guardians.
Socialtjänsten in Östersund provides caseworkers, family support services and care planning. Health services including child and adolescent psychiatry - BUP - and school welfare teams can offer assessments and treatment. A lawyer can help coordinate legal representation alongside these supports.
Records involving young offenders are treated with more privacy than adult records. Some entries can be sealed or expunged when the young person becomes an adult, depending on the nature of the offence and the sentence. Ask a lawyer about the specific rules that apply to your case.
Yes. Decisions by social services can be appealed to the administrative court, and in some cases through higher courts. A lawyer can advise on grounds for appeal, the appeals process, timelines and what evidence is most important to present.
Legal aid may be available for minors and guardians who cannot afford a lawyer. In criminal cases, minors often have the right to a publicly appointed counsel. For civil or administrative matters, means-testing and case merits determine eligibility for legal aid. A lawyer can help apply for public counsel or legal aid when appropriate.
Useful local and national bodies and organizations that can provide help or information include:
- Socialtjänsten in Östersunds kommun for assessments and family support.
- Polismyndigheten in Jämtlands län for matters involving suspected crimes or safety incidents.
- Åklagarmyndigheten - the prosecutor’s office - for questions about criminal charges.
- Administrative courts for appeals of LVU and other social services decisions.
- Barn- och ungdomspsykiatri - local child and adolescent psychiatric services - for mental health assessments and treatment.
- Barnombudsmannen - the Children’s Ombudsman - for information about children’s rights in Sweden.
- BRIS - an organization that provides support and a helpline for children and young people.
- Kriminalvården for information about youth custody and secure placements when applicable.
- The Swedish Bar Association for finding a qualified lawyer and checking credentials.
If you need legal assistance in juvenile law in Östersund, consider these practical steps:
- Stay calm and gather information: write down what happened, key dates, names of agencies and officials involved, medical or school reports, and any communication you have received.
- Contact Socialtjänsten if immediate welfare concerns or investigations are underway. If there is immediate danger, contact the police.
- Seek legal advice early: arrange a consultation with a lawyer experienced in juvenile, family or criminal law. Ask about experience with LVU, youth criminal cases and administrative appeals.
- Explore legal aid and public counsel options if cost is a concern. Ask a lawyer to help apply for public counsel or legal aid when eligible.
- Keep records, attend meetings and hearings, and follow caseworker recommendations where appropriate. Communicate openly with professionals while protecting the child’s best interests.
- If the matter goes to court, prepare with your lawyer for an age-appropriate, child-sensitive process. Make sure the child understands their rights and has support.
Getting professional legal help can make a significant difference in outcomes and protect the rights and wellbeing of the child. If you are unsure where to start, contact the local social services office or a family law lawyer in Östersund for an initial assessment.
