Universal Periodic Review

Create binding nationwide quality standards for child and youth welfare services, including care by foster families

Proponent:

Remarks to progress by Liga (last modified Dec 31, 2024):

In Austria, efforts are currently being made to ensure the quality of child and youth welfare through legal standards, but implementation remains inconsistent and dependent on the respective federal states. The Child and Youth Welfare Act (KJH-G) requires that the quality of care for children and young people is regularly evaluated by the provincial governments, taking into account professional standards, social developments and scientific findings. Since 2017, quality standards for inpatient child and youth welfare services have been developed in Austria with the aim of standardising them across the provinces. These standards were developed by 19 different organisations, including FICE Austria and SOS Children’s Villages, in order to ensure high-quality care for children and young people. They set out clear requirements for assistance planning, co-operation with parents and the staffing and structural conditions in the facilities. However, there are still differences in the legal regulations for the protection of minors, as this is regulated at state level in Austria. Different federal states have different regulations, which can lead to a certain lack of clarity. Developments in this area show that implementation is an ongoing process that continues to require critical review and adaptation in order to guarantee uniform and high standards.