Three quarters more cases for child and youth welfare
Social
Child and youth welfare in the city of Salzburg reports 76 percent more suspected domestic violence, neglect and sexual abuse than before the pandemic. Lockdown and existential fears could affect the situation.
In the first eleven months of 2021, child and youth welfare in Salzburg received 774 reports for a hazard clarification. By the end of the year there should be around 70 more reports. That would be more than 840 children and young people who need help – as many children as there are in more than 30 school classes. For comparison: In the first pandemic year of 2020 there were 668 cases, in 2019 there were 419 reports to child and youth welfare. “Today we have an average of 15 reports a week, that’s two a day. Risk assessments are also literally on the agenda, ”says Adelheid Moser, the city’s director of child and youth welfare.
The reasons for domestic violence and the neglect of children and adolescents are diverse, so experts die: For example, CoV-related unemployment of parents and the renewed lockdown die situation in families. But the parents’ existential fears, being overwhelmed and feeling senseless are also possible causes.
“The numbers are terrifying”
mostly institutions such as schools or clubs report the possible dangers to the children only in very few cases are they private individuals, says department head Patrick Pfeifenberger: “The numbers are terrifying. And when I know that there are over 800 reports of threats to 40 social workers – calculated over the year – you can imagine what kind of workload that demands of our colleagues as well. “
For this purpose, three additional social workers are now strengthening the team. In addition, Councilor for Social Welfare Anja Hagenauer (SPÖ) is calling for a three-year plan to secure staff: “We know it from care. We have a shortage of nursing staff. But we also have the budding staff shortage in social work. “