Confusion in a Viennese courtroom: While two young suspects were on trial for alleged coercion, a co-defendant was conspicuous by his absence. Because what even the judge did not know: this 15-year-old has been on the Portuguese flower island of Madeira since October 1, 2022.
This would have allowed him to postpone another trial and possible verdict weeks earlier. The teenager is currently participating in a six-month time-out project – approved by the judiciary and funded by the Viennese Child and Youth Welfare Service. Costs: 29,270 euros.
“He is the first from Vienna to participate in the project. According to experts, in his case the possibilities of inpatient and outpatient care in Vienna were exhausted,” said the youth welfare office.
Displays criminal and antisocial behavior
Not even a prison experience deterred the Viennese, who was under the care of a socio-educational association. He exhibits criminal and dissocial behavior (destruction, physical attacks), refuses daily structures and resists care and therapy – the educators could not reach him. Of which the supervisors mainly blame his circle of friends outside the club facility. And so the 15-year-old ended up in Madeira.
Six months island camp for problem youth
There he would have to be resocialized in a camp with daily structures, lessons, crafts, cooking and various activities. Accompanied by the permanent team of experts and personal 1:1 guides from Vienna, who take turns on the flower island.
Viennese child and youth care remains optimistic
“We are confident that a lasting stabilization and improvement of his mental condition will succeed,” says the Viennese child and youth care optimistically. Madeira’s feedback so far on how the youngster has been cared for has been positive.
It remains to be hoped that this positive “island mood” in mainland Vienna will not disappear again – and that the rehabilitation project will not have to be booked as paid youth leave in the end.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
