National Preventive Mechanism ¾¾ Unaccompanied minor refugees and asylum seekers need special care and support. ¾¾ Occupational and recreational opportunities must be expanded. ¾¾ More budget resources from funds provided under the reception conditions are needed. ¾¾ Austria-wide, uniform standards are needed. Placement of children in other Laender Upon recommendation by the commissions, the AOB dealt with the placement of children and adolescents in facilities that are far from their previous residence and the residence of their parents, in an ex-officio investigative proceeding. An assessment of the findings shows that a large number of transfers are necessary only because there are no suitable offerings in the Land of origin. Placement in another Land due to a lack of paces This is problematic because alienation from close and important others can occur quickly and friendships can break down. Major distances cause loss of close ties and promote breakdown of relationships which can make the minors’ return to their families impossible. Many parents simply cannot utilise their right to personal contact for financial or logistical reasons when the facilities are too far away. Besides, the psychological work with the family that is necessary for a return to take place becomes much more difficult. The figures provided by the Laender with the exception of Vorarlberg show that some competent authorities for children and youth welfare and protection have had their eye on this aspect, while for others, this does not seem to be the case. Lower Austria has placed only about 4% of the minors under full residential care in a facility beyond its borders; however, it is in close proximity to the residence of the parents. Carinthia and Tyrol are at 10% and Upper Austria and Vienna are between 10% and 15%. In comparison, half of the children and adolescents from Styria live in another Land. At 30% in Burgenland and at 20% in Salzburg, the percentage is quite high here as well. The Laender in question should prepare the scientifically-based plans mentioned in the introduction for facilities operated by child and youth welfare organisations as quickly as possible and create places in accordance with the needs. In any case, it is peculiar that the Laender, who are responsible for the technical supervision of these facilities, do not allocate minors in their “own” facilities in the same Land. In Burgenland, only two facilities even accept children from Burgenland – presumably for cost reasons – as they can demand a surcharge of 10% for children from other Laender. Implementation of scientifically-based planning 113