Das Kinder- und Jugendhilfesystem in Österreich – Innovation im System oder Innovation des Systems?

Abstract

Following the position paper of the OGSA working group Childhood/Youth, which was published last fall, the article asks and answers the question about the overall state of the Austrian child- and youth care system as a whole. The mentioned position paper picks up many single issues and names very concrete demands, but it lacks an overall view on the system. As one of the authors of the position paper, I follow up on the issues and demands and formulate a first overall view on the system based on research and reflection groups. In summary, the findings show that the Austrian child and youth care system continues to act in a paternalistic, pathologizing, and expertocratic manner – despite all the innovative and committed individuals and groups.