Vienna youth welfare and juvenile justice concerns

In Vienna, officials and ombudsmen have raised concerns regarding the legal and systemic frameworks governing juvenile justice and child welfare.

Austrian Ombudsman Bernhard Achitz has called for the Ministry of Justice to create a clear legal framework for a ‘time-out shared apartment’ pilot project. This initiative, operated with the organization ‘neue wege’, provides up to twelve weeks of accommodation for juvenile offenders under age 14. Critics suggest the current Residential Care Act is unsuitable for this purpose, and Achitz emphasized that any measures restricting freedom must prioritize educational approaches and human rights over punishment.

Separately, the Vienna Child and Youth Ombudsman reported systemic failings within the city’s youth welfare services. During a Vienna Landtag session, reports highlighted overcrowded crisis centers where children lack privacy and adequate space. Concerns were also raised regarding the use of non-pedagogically trained security personnel, gaps in child protection protocols in schools, and legal deficiencies regarding protection against sexual harassment and discrimination. Additionally, officials noted issues with the long-term placement of youth in crisis centers beyond intended limits and the difficulties faced by crisis foster care services.