Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
In Denmark, children placed in residential care are sometimes reported to the police for violent or threatening behavior toward staff. While this may seem like a step to ensure safety, a recent study reveals that such practices can have serious and lasting consequences for the children involved.
Through the story of Liva—a pseudonym for a 17-year-old girl—we (Tea Torbenfeldt Bengtsson, Theresa Dyrvig Henriksen, and Rikke Klarskov Hermansen) have shed light on how the justice system interacts with children in care. Liva was placed in various residential care institutions due to a history of trauma and behavioral challenges. Over time, she was reported for five incidents of violence or threats, including throwing objects and reacting during physical restraint. These reports led to her being charged and tried in criminal court.
In the courtroom, Liva’s background—her trauma, her relationships, and the institutional dynamics—was largely absent. Her actions were judged in isolation, and her own explanations were dismissed as unreliable. This absence of contextualizing the charges not only misrepresents Liva’s lived reality but also undermines the possibility of fair treatment.
After the trial, Liva’s trust in the adults around her deteriorated. Staff members who were supposed to support her became distant and some had testified against her in court. This left Liva feeling isolated and unsupported and a lack of trust in professionals. Consequently, the criminalization of her further complicating her possibilities of healing and development in the residential care institution.
Being labeled as “violent” or “criminal” has deeply affected Liva’s self-image and her hopes for the future. She worries about how her criminal record will impact her education and job prospects. The financial burden of court fees adds another layer of hardship, making her dream of a stable adult life seem out of reach.
These findings point out how the current system fails to recognize the complexity of children’s lives in care. Instead of offering support, it through criminalization punishes behavior that stems from trauma and distress. This call for a shift in how society views and treats the most vulnerable children—not as criminals, but as in need of understanding and care.
Liva’s story is not unique. Many children in care face similar challenges with anger and frustration, and the practice of reporting them to the police may do more harm than good. We call for policymakers and professionals to reconsider this approach and to prioritize relational, supportive interventions over punitive measures.
Read the full article here (in Danish): Anbragt og anklaget – konsekvenser for børn, som politianmeldes for vold af deres anbringelsessted • Dansk pædagogisk Tidsskrift
Author Bio:
Tea Torbenfeldt Bengtsson is a Professor MSO at VIVE – The Danish Center for Social Science Research and a guest professor at Aalborg University. She specializes in sociology of youth, care systems, and social justice. Contact: ttb@vive.dk, homepage: Tea Torbenfeldt Bengtsson – vive.dk
