Salzburg records Austria’s lowest rate of court-appointed representatives

Salzburg has the lowest rate of court-appointed adult representatives among Austria’s federal states, according to figures presented by the Austrian association Vertretungsnetz and reported by ORF. The association recorded 263 court-appointed representatives per 100,000 residents in Salzburg.

The figures show a continuing decline in adult representation across Austria. The rate is significantly higher in Carinthia, at 466 per 100,000 residents, and Styria, at 432.

Adult representation was introduced in Austria in 2018 as a replacement for earlier legal instruments such as guardianship. The reform aimed to give people with disabilities greater participation in society, decision-making freedom and autonomy.

It also gives people close to those affected a more important role by involving them in decisions. The main objective remains strengthening the person’s self-determination.

Norbert Krammer, Vertretungsnetz’s regional director in Salzburg, said the particularly low figure was a positive sign. He said appointing a court representative was often the most convenient option, but was chosen less frequently in Salzburg in the interests of those affected.

Adult representatives appointed by courts are often legal professionals, including lawyers, who may represent several people. Adult representation is also appointed less frequently for older people in care facilities in Salzburg, according to the report.