Vienna publishes controversial concept for ‘time-out group home’

Vienna has published the concept behind its controversial “time-out group home” for young repeat offenders, after experts demanded full transparency about the facility and its methods.

“

an innovative educational approach

The 16-page document, submitted by the provider “neue wege,” appeared Monday on the website of Vienna’s child and youth welfare service. The responsible municipal department, MA 11, said the trauma and sex education, violence prevention, and provider documents submitted for approval were also available online.

The move follows criticism of a slightly revised 17-page version dated July that was published by Austria’s APA during the summer. Forensic child and adolescent psychiatrist Patrick Frottier described the material as containing “serious professional deficiencies.” Julia Pollak, managing director of the Austrian Association of Social Work, said social work professionals had to consider carefully whether they could support the approach within their professional autonomy.

“

serious professional deficiencies

Deputy Mayor Bettina Emmerling, who oversees the project, previously said the disputed document was a concept paper from the spring. She said it was “not understandable” which document had prompted the public criticism, while earlier reports suggested the material might only have been handouts from the provider.

“

not understandable

The city described the group home as pursuing “an innovative educational approach.” Its stated focus is to interrupt dangerous behavior, conduct a social-pedagogical assessment alongside psychological and psychiatric evaluation, and develop individualized follow-up measures that limit freedom as little as possible. Such restrictions, the city said, should be used only as a “last resort.” Emmerling said the aim was to protect the public from young repeat offenders and break cycles of violence.

“

last resort