Aszód Juvenile Institution faces rising escapes and staff shortages

Since the closure of the Szőlő utca juvenile institution in December, the rate of unauthorized departures from juvenile detention centers has tripled, rising from 10 percent to 30 percent.

Zoltán Raffai, deputy leader of the child protection division of the Teachers' Union, reported that the Aszód Juvenile Institution has seen its patient numbers increase from 60 to 90. This surge in residents coincides with a 10 percent staff departure rate, with 12 employees leaving permanently or temporarily. Remaining staff are managing the 160-capacity facility through overtime and increased workloads.

Staff departures are attributed to professionals being unable to adapt to the transition from the social sector to the penal system. While new applicants exist, the recruitment process—including psychological and lifestyle checks—takes at least four months, and new hires require a year of experience before working independently.

A government report has identified systemic issues including capacity shortages, high escape rates, professional shortages, and low wages. The management of juvenile institutions is set to transfer to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Family as part of a 9.5 billion HUF child protection crisis program.