must be paid to side-effects and interactions. 2.3.2.4. Impermissible pedagogical measures During their visits, the commissions observed numerous instances of problematic approaches in the area of sanctions. The main task of socio-pedagogic and socio-therapeutic facilities is to create a healing environment for young people with developmental problems and to provide them with professional support and opportunities for development. They need to be able to experience acceptance and recognition as a person, along with safety, stability and a predictable environment. It is important to convey to them the feeling that they are understood and supported. They are entitled to be involved in their own educational processes and to build on their own resources, potential and behaviour with a view to developing a more positive self-image and increased personal responsibility. Children and adolescents need to be able to experience continuity in relationships, so that they can build positive, sustainable relationships themselves. As part of pedagogical work, prohibitions and punishments should therefore only be used after careful consideration in individual cases, since this is a highly sensitive area. Problematic approach to handling of violations of rules Rule violations require an individual approach and must always be viewed in context. This means there should be a direct connection between the improper behaviour and the pedagogical consequences. Moreover, the consequences should not be arbitrary depending on the care worker in question, and undesirable conduct should not be handled in an obviously routine manner. Responses to rule violations must be transparent, as this is the only way to achieve positive pedagogical effects associated with the fact that the consequences are predictable, leading to a learning process. There should be a direct connection with the improper behaviour, particularly chronologically. The NPM was impressed by the models for redress used at various institutions and facilities, which have been established through joint efforts. The goal of these models is to initiate a conversation when a child or adolescent has behaved improperly, and to reach agreement on how to make amends based on the nature of the rule violation, either for the community as a whole or for the individual in question. Often, when rigid sanctions systems are imposed, this is a reflection of the fact that staff is overwhelmed. The commissions noticed improvements regarding institutions and facilities where the care staff had previously used prohibitions and punishments and where further training enabled them to develop alternative approaches. At one large facility in Lower Austria, a concept entitled “New Authority”, under which the use of punishment is generally avoided, has had Alternative approaches for staff 66