Norrköping reminds everyone that there is a special support program for teenagers

Youngsters in trouble, and their parents, can trust and rely on the SSPF

Being a teenager can be tough. Numerous problems and issues surround the process of maturing into adulthood and some individuals may succumb to undesirable patterns of behavior.

That is why the Municipality of Norrköping has found a model that it considers to be innovative in helping young people overcome the obstacles that may be presented to them. This model bears the name SSPF, which stands for collaboration between School, Social Services, Police and Fun (Leisure Centre).

Behavioural problems can be complex and therefore require complex interventions

The target group of this model is young people between the ages of 10 and 18 who already have had run-ins with the law or with substance abuse, or are considered to be at substantial risk to that.

Following the consent of a parent or a guardian, a special coordinator can create a work case which will involve the participation of all of the above services through meetings and counseling sessions with the young person.

“Young people are sometimes lost and need wise adults around them and here we come in with our profession. It is not about controlling the young people, but we should be a support function,” affirmed Martin Schenström, a coordinator within the Children and Youth Activities at the social services office in the Swedish city.

The meetings are attended by between 5 and 12 persons, including professionals from the relevant services. These can also include adult professionals who are considered to have influence or significance in the young person’s life, such as a sports coach.

The meetings are meant to create a casual, informal and friendly atmosphere – one of support and understanding. The aim here is twofold.

“What we want to get rid of is the fear of young people to be in contact with the police or social services, to de-dramatize the contact with us. The big benefit of SSPF is that we get the whole picture when we get consent. We are people in the whole chain and everyone is here for that particular youth. And it's easier to call a police officer you know or have met,” said Peter Ekblom, a police officer.

The process also aims to remove some of the bureaucratic obstacles which hinder a more cohesive approach, such as the practice of keeping social service cases secret from school authorities. Instead, schools are now involved as valuable partners.