Mayors urge Icelandic government to address children’s treatment needs in capital region

In Iceland, approximately 120 children are in need of specialized treatment due to various challenges, according to a report from two years ago. Since then, there has been no progress in addressing the issue, prompting mayors in the capital region to call for improvements and seek a meeting with government ministers.

Regína Ásvaldsdóttir, mayor of Mosfellsbær and a former member of the working group overseeing welfare in Reykjavík, highlighted the diverse needs for treatment. One pressing concern is the lack of specific substance abuse treatment options for children and youth. She advocates for municipalities to combine their resources for more effective service delivery. Many smaller municipalities have been reliant on purchasing services from private providers, which can be overwhelming for them.

Currently, around twenty children require ongoing supervision and structured care, with annual costs exceeding 100 million Icelandic krónur (approximately $730,000) per child. Regína emphasized the need for a national solution, suggesting that the government should develop treatment services to consolidate expertise and ensure better support within a secure framework.

This issue is part of a broader concern regarding children’s welfare in Iceland, as local authorities aim to find sustainable solutions to meet these critical needs adequately. As the community continues to navigate these challenges, the call for government action remains urgent.