Vienna's controversial 'timeout flat' concept to be disclosed

Vienna's "Auszeit-WG" (timeout shared flat) for underage intensive offenders will have its concept published, according to city councilor Bettina Emmerling. The concept has faced public criticism, with experts demanding full disclosure of the project's documents.

Emmerling stated that the concept is "no secret" and will be released "shortly" by the municipal department for child and youth welfare (MA 11). However, no specific release date was provided.

The controversy centers on a 17-page concept paper. While Emmerling referred to it as a "concept paper from spring," documents obtained by APA indicate it is a July document, with an almost identical undated version also existing. This paper was attached to a resident representative's request to the district court.

The court reviewed measures for the first resident, a 13-year-old, finding the overnight door lock permissible but a lock between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. impermissible. The appeal period is currently ongoing.

Critics, including forensic child and adolescent psychiatrist Patrick Frottier and the Austrian Professional Association of Social Work (OBDS), have sharply criticized the concept, citing "serious professional deficiencies." The OBDS stated that social workers must consider whether they can support it within their professional autonomy.

Previously, the councilor's office had suggested the criticism might not be based on the approved MA 11 concept and that the documents in question might be "handouts from the provider." An internal handout was sent by MA 11 in early August.