Massive allegations of abuse: Irmgard Griss leads SOS Children's Villages investigation

Massive allegations of abuse: Irmgard Griss leads SOS Children's Villages investigation

After serious allegations of abuse against the SOS Children's Villages in Tyrol and Carinthia, a comprehensive review of the organization's structures is initiated. This week, a commission chaired by former OGH President Irmgard Griss began its work. Announcements about this came from supervisory board member Willibald Cernko and managing director Annemarie Schlack. Cernko admits errors and emphasizes the need for an in-depth investigation, as an internal evaluation is not sufficient. The aim of these measures is to offer the children a safe home and to fully investigate cases of abuse.

The commission consists of six members, including the aforementioned Irmgard Griss as well as Hedwig Wölfl, the managing director of the child protection organization Möwe, and sociologist Veronika Reidinger. Willibald Cernko will also be part of the committee and assures that transparency will be maintained. The first constitutive meeting of the commission is scheduled to take place this week, and it is expected that further protégés from other children's villages may come forward with allegations.

Objectives and steps of the Commission

The commission has set itself the goal of developing recommendations for a profound renewal of the child protection guidelines within the SOS Children's Villages. This also includes two existing studies that document cases of abuse and were forwarded to child and youth welfare services in Tyrol and Carinthia. With regard to the allegations from Carinthia, which cover the period from 2008 to 2020, and those in Tyrol from 2017 to 2020, there are also legal investigations: The Graz public prosecutor's office is examining a reopening of a case from 2020, while the Innsbruck public prosecutor's office is investigating a possible initial suspicion.

The focus is on the urgent need for functioning child protection. According to information about child protection and protection concepts, social institutions must be informed about potential threats to children and young people in order to take preventive action against abuse of power, attacks and violence. It is essential that educational professionals create a safe and secure environment and know how to act in the event of abuse of power.

Inclusion and reforms in child protection

The reform of SGB VIII in 2021 has increased the focus on protection concepts in child and youth welfare. These concepts are mandatory in facilities that require a license, such as daycare centers and residential group homes. They represent a dynamic part of organizational development that requires constant adjustment. It is crucial that all employees as well as children and young people are involved in the development of these protection concepts.

The SOS Children's Villages now face the challenge of not only clarifying the current allegations, but also implementing sustainable steps to improve safety standards so that any form of abuse can be prevented in the future. The commission under Irmgard Griss plays a key role in supporting the chosen reforms and focusing on the safety of children.

For further information on this topic, exxpress.at suggests the current developments, while derStandard.at provides additional details on the Commission delivers. In addition, der-paritaetische.de offer comprehensive information on protection concepts and child protection.