STOCKHOLM, Dec. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- The Swedish government vowed on Thursday to investigate allegations of rampant mistreatment at public children's homes between 1950 and 1980.

    "I want to know how systematic and how widespread this was," said Morgan Johansson, minister of public health and social services.

    A documentary by public broadcaster SVT on systematic physicaland mental abuse at public children's homes have fueled widespread anger among Swedes last week.

    Thousands of Swedes said they were subjected to physical abuse and cruel treatment in state children's homes after the government forced them to foster care because authorities deemed their parents unfit to raise them, according to local reports.

    The government said it has not decided whether it will offer financial compensation to the children who were abused. The investigation is to be completed by March 31 next year,

    Alleged abuse includes attempted rape and forcing children to keep their heads under icy water. Enditem