Increasing numbers in probation services: a ray of hope for society!

Increasing numbers in probation services: a ray of hope for society!

Probation services in Austria are experiencing a sharp increase, as the probation service and rehabilitation association “Neustart” reports. In 2024, a new high was reached with more than 12,300 clients, while 866 people are in care in Salzburg. This represents a nationwide increase of 3.5 percent compared to the previous year. What is striking is that the number of final convictions has been declining for years. Simone Meidl-Düringer, the head of Neustart Salzburg, explains that courts are increasingly seeing probation as an effective measure to prevent recidivism and are therefore increasingly ordering it to give criminals a second chance.

Individual support for offenders

Neustart offers comprehensive support for the reintegration of offenders into society. This includes assistance with job searches, housing concerns and financial crises. Meidl-Düringer emphasizes that the association also offers psychological and social support to prevent relapses, which is particularly important for young male offenders under the age of 30. The commitment of volunteers plays a crucial role: of the 866 people cared for in Salzburg, 170 are supported by volunteers who work in this important function without any specific training. “This civil society commitment is unique in all of Europe,” says Meidl-Düringer, who thanks the volunteers for their commitment.

The importance of probation services is also underlined by a representative survey, which shows that 72 percent of the Austrian population are of the opinion that Neustart's work contributes to increasing security in society. Probation is available to all offenders, regardless of the type of offense, as long as the court sentences are conditional. The focus on prevention and social integration aims to reduce the recidivism rate and promote more peaceful coexistence ORF Salzburg and Salzburg24 report.