Compulsory Stays for Criminal Children Conceivable for Vienna NEOS
The Vienna NEOS are calling for social-pedagogical facilities for particularly conspicuous minors who are not criminally responsible - including the possibility of a temporary compulsory stay. Specifically, it concerns children between twelve and fourteen years old who stand out due to repeated criminal behavior such as serious bodily harm, robbery, or violence. Accommodation should be considered when other measures are insufficient to stabilize the situation.
Compulsory stays should prevent worse developments
"We are not aiming to lock children away or remove them from society's view," NEOS Deputy Mayor and second on the list for the Vienna election Bettina Emmerling is quoted in a press release. Rather, they want to provide them with "support, structure, and professional guidance in highly critical phases" to prevent much worse developments from occurring eventually. The proposed facilities are intended by the NEOS to be understood as "pedagogically and therapeutically supervised safe spaces with clear rules, binding structure, and individual development promotion."
Vienna NEOS see compulsory stay as a last resort
A compulsory stay should be the last resort to interrupt "extremely problematic developments" in children. This would require judicial approval, and the children would need to be legally represented. A federal legal basis is necessary, among other things. "If twelve-year-olds repeatedly harm others or endanger themselves, we must take responsibility," emphasized Emmerling.
Groups with different degrees of freedom should be able to be managed separately; therapy rooms, school rooms, workshops, common rooms, sports areas, and "experiential educational offerings" should be available. A "multi-professional team, consisting of educators, psychologists, therapists, teaching staff, and security personnel" is to be deployed.
Number of Particularly Noticeable Minors in Vienna "Small, but Relevant"
An admission phase should be followed by a closed, a relaxed, and an open phase with subsequent follow-up care. Through constructive behavior and participation in programs, young people should gradually receive more freedoms. A transparent documentation and control is necessary, and the legal process must be open at all times.
The number of these particularly noticeable minors is "small, but relevant," according to the state party. They cannot be held criminally responsible due to their age, but they pose an acute challenge for themselves and their environment. Existing legal and institutional options fall short here. NEOS explicitly want to exclude young people with severe psychiatric disorders or acute addiction disorders - they belong in the medical care system.
Vienna FPÖ Criticizes "Turncoat Politics"
Criticism of the pink proposal came from both the Greens and the Freedom Party. FPÖ club chairman Maximilian Krauss spoke in a statement of a "transparent election campaign maneuver" of "turncoat politics" by the NEOS. The Freedom Party has been pointing out the "escalating violence in schools, the loss of any discipline, and massive integration problems" for years and demanding appropriate measures, according to Krauss.
The Greens, on the other hand, see the NEOS demands as a "populist quick fix." Now there is an attempt to "cover up past failures with authoritarian recipes." What is needed instead is a "well-equipped youth welfare system," according to the Green top candidate Judith Pühringer.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.