On 3-5 October 2023, key stakeholders from the juvenile justice system in Slovenia participated in a study visit in Stockholm organised in the framework of the European Union - Council of Europe project on Improving the juvenile justice system and strengthening the education and training of penitentiary staff in Slovenia (Component I). Based on the findings of the Comparative Study of European standards and promising practices (Output 3) the Slovenian delegation, led by a Council of Europe representative, held a variety of meetings to delve into professional good practices at different levels.

Participants met with a prosecutor with specific experience in juvenile justice, visited an educational institution for girls with drug-addictions and psychological difficulties as well as a youth center which plays a great role in juvenile crime prevention in Stockholm. Finally, a meeting was held with two social workers in one of the suburbs which faces most juvenile and gang-related crime. They presented the organisational structure and their individual roles, with a focus on the strong co-operation maintained with the local police.

Participants expressed appreciation for the collaborative environment, noting an increased understanding of professional roles and responsibilities. The study visit focussed on the normative aspects of the juvenile justice system in Sweden as well as their implementation in the field, through different protocols, codes of conduct and practices. Particularly, discussions on mental health and efficient cross-sectorial collaboration have prompted considerations for the introduction of improved individual assessments in the Slovenian juvenile justice reform.