Vienna starts new project against juvenile crime: Buddy system for children!

Vienna starts new project against juvenile crime: Buddy system for children!

A new pilot project is in the starting blocks in Vienna that deals with the challenges of crime among children under the age of criminal responsibility. A Viennese working group has developed five central points to specifically counteract increased youth crime. From October 1, 2025, a “buddy” system will be launched that will open up new perspectives for children aged 10 to 14.

Vice Mayor Bettina Emmerling, Johannes Köhler from Vienna Child and Youth Welfare and Christian Reiner from the “Save the Child” association presented the project. The city chose the latter to take responsibility for the project. Costs of around 500,000 euros are planned for the first year, and 14 to 20 children will be included in the program, which is based on voluntary work and is carried out in close cooperation with the state police department.

Focus on prevention

The core objectives of the project are clearly defined. The Vienna working group emphasized that close networking with schools, parents and social organizations is essential. Children participate in regular meetings that should take place at least three times a week. Here, participants experience new activities, such as bowling or excursions, accompanied by trained employees, to promote positive experiences.

The initiative is no coincidence: the number of crimes committed by minors in Austria has risen sharply in recent years. According to the latest statistics, the number of complaints against children aged 10 to 14 has increased from 6,311 in 2014 to 9,730 in 2023, a worrying trend that has also required recognition from federal ministries.

Challenges in our environment

The situation is particularly challenging in Vienna, where violence between youth gangs and an increase in crimes can be observed. Underage serious offenders are often involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking or burglaries. These children, often coming from troubled backgrounds, not only have to cope with their criminality but also profound social deficits due to abuse or addiction in their environment.

Vienna police report youth gangs fighting for influence in parks, while ethnically motivated conflicts between groups from different nations come to light. This has led the authorities to develop a comprehensive concept of prevention and intervention in order to effectively combat juvenile crime.

Future prospects and measures

An important part of the strategy is also legal measures, such as a draft amendment to the Security Police Act, which aims to better prevent dangerous attacks by minors. In addition, weapons ban zones, such as the one at Reumannplatz, were created to ensure more security.

The planned “Buddy” project is therefore part of a larger strategy that includes, among other things, strengthening advisory services and finding locations for closed facilities. The initiators hope that these new measures will not only support the children, but also lead to noticeable relief for society.

The success of this initiative will certainly also depend on further developments in juvenile crime. It remains to be hoped that the children affected receive the necessary support and can find their way from crime back into a positive future.