There is a lack of youth homes with the highest security class in Sweden, which led to the decision that Johannisberg should be equipped to reach there. In addition, the places were increased from 18 to 32.
Since then, the youth home has had a large staff turnover with many substitutes and JO is now harshly criticizing the SiS home after an inspection.
"It is particularly problematic that the home has not managed to fulfill the basic staffing that should be available," the report from the Ombudsman for Justice states.
Left alone
In the summer of 2022, the staff shortage became so evident that two out of five departments were forced to close for a period.
The accommodation is also criticized for lacking space for "private care", which has led to the use of a room in the basement that only has a small amount of light.
The lack of staff has also meant that young people in that room have been left alone for periods of time.
- Totally unacceptable consequence, writes Justice Ombudsman Thomas Norling.
Changing cells at night
The staff state during the inspection that the young people go into each other's cells at night.
This has been difficult for the staff to act on because the basic staffing at night is one person, while the staff are not allowed to move themselves in the accommodation corridor.
The decision for Johannisberg to reach the highest security level was made almost two years ago, and JO directs harsh criticism against them for not solving more security issues.
- I am surprised that the home has not progressed further in the work with security-enhancing measures, writes Thomas Norling.
The head of the institution believes that they have solved parts of the criticism from JO since the inspection.
They are now putting an end to cell migration, which you will hear more about in the clip above.