13-year-old flees hospital while staying at Vienna youth group home

A 13-year-old boy staying at Vienna’s “Auszeit-WG” youth group home fled Klinik Donaustadt after being taken there on Tuesday morning, ORF reported, citing the Kronen Zeitung.

The boy had complained of pain and was brought to the hospital. He then ran away from his carers and left the hospital, according to the newspaper. He is one of the few young people so far housed at the facility and has been listed in connection with numerous robberies.

Vienna’s ÖVP called for tighter security measures. Family affairs spokesperson Sabine Keri said the group home serves young people who have repeatedly committed serious offences and needs clear procedures, enough qualified staff and security arrangements that work in exceptional situations. She said responsible deputy mayor Bettina Emmerling should significantly strengthen security.

The first “Auszeit-WG” in Austria has operated since mid-July in a detached house in Simmering, in partnership with provider neue wege. It can house young people below the age of criminal responsibility who repeatedly commit offences for up to 12 weeks. The first boy placed there has since left and is said to have improved.

The two-place facility costs nearly one million euros a year and operates under the Home Residence Act, a law originating in the healthcare sector. The legal basis has drawn criticism since the project began. The Austrian Ombudsman Board has called on the Justice Ministry to establish a clear legal framework, a position also supported by Emmerling.