This study aims to discuss the conditions for a curative work with detained children in Sweden. Furthermore we will illuminate the connection between the conditions and the different professional roles at the detention centers. Along with this discussion we want to shed light on the psychosocial health of detained children to see if there is a need for curative work. The two research questions are: ●  What are the conditions for curative work for detained children? ●  In what way do professional roles affect the conditions for curative work? The method that was used to examine our research questions was semi-structured interviews with professionals working with detained children in the same arena but with different approaches. The interviews were conducted with seven people. Five of whom are employed by Kriminalvården (The Swedish correctional service - ‘The criminal care’) and two who are employed by an external actor and work with children in detention centres. The result shows that the discretion for curative work differentiates depending on what professional role the person is assigned. It appears that curative work is needed for the children's wellbeing. The result also shows that the guidelines and work ethics of Kriminalvården have not been adapted to the high number of detained children.