Correctional institutions Three persons who were interviewed have been detained for more than ten years. For people who have been locked up for so long, release is highly unlikely even if their dangerousness has been reduced. All of those involved thus now assume that one detainee will spend the rest of his life in this institution. He is now 73, has been in detention since 1968 and in Göllersdorf correctional institution since it was opened. Resocialisation can no longer be expected Conversely, there is a trend which indicates that an increasing number of younger persons with intellectual impairments are admitted to detention for mentally ill offenders. For example, the delegation diagnosed a slight to moderate impairment of intelligence in five of the inmates. Four inmates had lived in a facility for persons with disabilities before. The motivation behind the crimes perpetuated by these persons is not characterised by an excessive use of violence. Admission from shared accommodations for persons with disabilities There are no resources available for this group of persons: there is no care staff for persons with disabilities, no special expertise, few opportunities for 1:1 care and individual support; Augmentative and Alternative Communication is unknown; even the simplest aids are not available. For these persons too, there is a risk of strong hospitalisation and excessively long detention. It was suggested that the problem of detaining mentally ill persons be addressed in consultation with the facilities for persons with disabilities. On the one hand, this should serve to avoid persons with impairments being “expelled” from facilities for persons with disabilities to detention for mentally ill offenders. On the other, it is hoped that this will help to expand the network of follow-up care facilities (in particular in Lower Austria). Lack of specialised instituions and facilities The NPM is aware that the group of perpetrators who cannot be held accountable living in detention for mentally ill offenders (pursuant to Section 21 (1) Austrian Criminal Code) is very heterogeneous and responds differently to treatment. It is also the case that there is often no significant improvement in the psychopathological condition of patients with severe symptoms. It is therefore all the more important, that adequate, humane living conditions are provided for persons without the perspective of release. Regrettably, the NPM encountered conditions quite to the contrary on its visit. The hygienic conditions could only be assessed as catastrophic in one department. The kitchen was in an appalling state of neglect. There was an immediate reaction to this criticism and a new kitchen was acquired. The mould-ridden sanitary facilities in the accommodation area of the employees were refurbished. A new ventilation system was installed in addition to new showers. Hygienic deficits The structural measures might have effected some improvement, but they have no impact on the underlying structural problem. Göllersdorf correctional institution is far from the standard that is expected from a centre for forensic 146