Sweden may shift forensic psychiatric care to state control amid overcrowding

Sweden is initiating a major investigation into transferring the responsibility for forensic psychiatric care from the regions to the state. The system has been chronically overcrowded for years, with occupancy rates often exceeding 100 percent. This persistent shortage has led to serious consequences, including patients who should be admitted remaining in custody or even being released into the community while awaiting a place.

"The problems are several, but a recurring problem is very high occupancy. It leads to follow-on problems, such as people who should be admitted not getting in. Some stay in custody, some simply walk around town. And that is a security problem," said Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed.

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The problems are several, but a recurring problem is very high occupancy. It leads to follow-on problems, such as people who should be admitted not getting in. Some stay in custody, some simply walk around town. And that is a security problem.

He further explained that high occupancy also compromises the necessary security levels within the facilities. Additionally, the current system creates "displacement effects" for regular psychiatric care, as individuals ordered into forensic psychiatric care occupy beds intended for general psychiatric patients.

Forssmed stated that previous efforts, including assigning the National Board of Health and Welfare to develop the system and allocating funds to regions and municipalities, have been insufficient. "But it has not been enough, so now we are preparing for the biggest reform ever in forensic psychiatry," he announced. The investigation will analyze and propose how a full or partial state management of forensic psychiatric care can be implemented.

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But it has not been enough, so now we are preparing for the biggest reform ever in forensic psychiatry.