Collaboration against youth crime : A qualitative study of local efforts in a Swedish municipality

This study examines how collaboration between schools, social services and the police isorganized and experienced in crime prevention work against youth crime at the locallevel. Using a sociological perspective and qualitative method, the study highlights howmultidisciplinary actors identify risk factors and coordinate efforts to support childrenand young people in vulnerable life situations. Through interviews with professionals ina municipality in southwestern Sweden, a clear desire for collaboration emerges, but alsochallenges linked to confidentiality, division of responsibility and organizationallimitations.The results show that structures such as TSI and SSPF contribute to a good basis forcollaboration, with further development required to achieve long-term and effectivecoordination. The study emphasizes the need for accessible and flexible interventions,continuous presence of actors and mutual trust. For collaboration to be successful, it mustbe characterized by a shared sense of responsibility and a communicative approach, wherethe best interests of the child are always put first.Overall, the study highlights the importance of long-term structures, continuous presenceand mutual trust between the professions. For collaboration to work, a shared sense ofresponsibility and a communicative approach with the best interests of the child at thecenter are required.