Relief planned for MNA center Lilienberg
After the tender in 2018, the AOZ was again awarded the contract for the professional operation of structures for underage asylum seekers. With the award, the AOZ guaranteed the canton a care concept that takes the needs of the MNA into account and is based on the recommendations of the conference of cantonal social directors. The well-being of those cared for is guaranteed at all times.
Extraordinary audit
After various actors had expressed critical and concerned concerns about the situation of the young people in the Lilienberg center, the cantonal social welfare office commissioned Schiess – Beratung von Organisations-AG with an extraordinary audit in May 2022. The report recommends reducing occupancy by around half. With regard to the care situation, the report states that there has been an extraordinarily high staff turnover at the AOZ in the Lilienberg center since late summer 2021, while the number of young people accommodated in the Lilienberg has almost doubled. In order to ensure social and educational support, the report recommends using additional resources, in particular more specialist staff.
immediate measures
The cantonal social welfare office reacted immediately to the report. The aim is to reduce the occupancy of the Lilienberg center from 90 to a maximum of 60 young people. Andrea Lübberstedt, head of the cantonal social welfare office: “The AOZ has been commissioned to open two new branch offices.” A first will be opened and expanded in the next few days. In addition, the canton requires that the specialist staff in Lilienberg be increased. Planning for the expansion of the sanitary facilities has already been initiated. With a view to the rapidly increasing asylum applications in the MNA area and the shortage of skilled workers, Andrea Lübberstedt states: “The development is demanding. We are therefore examining further options to expand capacities.” In addition, the canton WILL take the findings from the report into account in the next tender, which will take place next year.