2.5.2.4
Incarceration of juvenile offenders in correctional institutions – deficits
remain despite improvements
A particularly tragic incident occurred early last summer at the ViennaJosefstadt correctional institution. Before the eyes of other prisoners, a
(then) 16-year-old raped a detainee awaiting trial who was two years
younger and seriously abused him. The public was shocked. The
Federal Ministry of Justice established a task force to improve the
conditions for incarceration of juvenile offenders.
Raped with a broom
handle
Months before this crime, the NPM had warned the prison
administration of the potential risks that could materialise when youth
are confined at close quarters with no employment. As a result of this
tragic incident, the NPM has put a special monitoring focus on this
matter and increased its visits to the Josefstadt correctional institution.
Smouldering potential
for aggression
In a follow-up visit in the autumn of 2013, the NPM could see an
improvement in many aspects of the conditions found in April. The
conditions of detention have significantly improved, which the inmates
confirmed.
Emergency measures
were taken
As before, the long lock-up times and the lack of a programme of
activities are criticised. Therefore, the NPM proposes additional
improvements. In particular, the content of training programmes must
be established and compliance and implementation must be
monitored.
Additional improvement
is required
In this regard, the Federal Ministry of Justice stated that the youth
sections are run as shared accommodations with open inmate cells
from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. They offer a wide-ranging
and varied recreational programme.
Efforts are currently being made to establish a “pool” or group of
employees with a special interest in juvenile offenders. A targeted
training programme entitled the “Detention of Juvenile Offenders as a
Field of Work” is being developed to quantitatively improve the care of
juveniles.
Further attention
Since the spring of 2014, basic training for the employees interested in
the “Detention of Juvenile Offenders Pool” has included a specific, fourpart course at the penitentiary system academy. A mandatory threeday conference is to be held each year for senior staff of the juvenile
department. In addition, specialised seminars are offered of which at
least one must be attended.
Improved training
All occupational groups in the juvenile department must attend weekly
department team meetings (multi-professional team). In addition,
there is a regular monthly meeting, and semi-annual team and
interim examinations are planned. In addition, all employees will be
free to avail themselves of external supervision or peer consulting
Regular meetings
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