New youth prison in Simmering: Hope for rehabilitation!

New youth prison in Simmering: Hope for rehabilitation!

In the heart of Simmering, the new youth prison on Münnichplatz opened its doors last Monday. Unlike the grim ideas of prisons, this house in a historic, former Habsburg hunting lodge shows itself in a different light. But upon closer inspection, you discover that it's not just isolation and austerity that reign here. Instead, the focus is on the rehabilitation of the young people, who are supposed to be given a second chance here, while initial controversy arose over its use during the renovation by the Ombudsman.

The new prison offers space for a total of 72 young men, with 35 prison spaces currently occupied. Six to seven prisoners come from the Josefstadt prison, whose youth department is soon to be closed. This high number of prisoners is atypical for Austria; On average, there are usually around 130 young people incarcerated. Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) points out that the focus must also be on caring for young people in freedom in order to prevent further criminalization.

Everyday life in a juvenile prison

The daily routine of the inmates in the new youth prison includes a well-structured program. This not only includes sporting activities in the form of table tennis, basketball and a football cage, but also comprehensive training and therapy offers. Young people have the opportunity to learn one of six trades, including carpentry, painting and plumbing, or simply to complete their compulsory school leaving certificate. To support their career choice, there is a creative workshop where they can explore their inclinations.

The building itself, a historic relic, has a long history behind it. First the Habsburgs' hunting lodge, later it was used as a barracks and educational institution. This not only adds a certain historical flair, but also influences current planning. The responsible working group made sure to establish suitable standards for juvenile detention and to incorporate recommendations from the Ombudsman's Office into the planning.

A look into the future

Rehabilitation is not just a heavy word, but a central concern that runs through the entire concept of the youth prison. In Germany, juvenile criminal law places particular emphasis on the education of young people. Similarly, the focus here is on the needs of young people. The goal is clear: the aim is to live a life free of punishment, measurable by individual progress during the prison term and beyond.

A sophisticated care ratio with 48 employees ensures that every inmate receives the necessary support and can maintain social contact. Visits from family members are possible under certain conditions, which strengthens the emotional bond and offers the young people support. The critical voices about the treatment of inmates during construction work remain in the back of the mind, but numerous voices - not least the public prosecutor Gabriela Schwarz - hope for effective rehabilitation.

At a time when crime rates among youth are constantly being monitored, the opening of the new youth prison is a move that should be watched. It remains exciting to see how this form of juvenile detention will develop in the coming months and whether those responsible can show a good hand in integrating young people into society.