The Ombudsmen have a broad remit to do individual casework, as well as to promote children’s rights at the broader policy level. The Ombudsmen are charged with the defence of children’s interests within the framework of judicial and administrative procedures and the promotion of public awareness of children’s welfare and interests through the media and public debate. The Ombudsmen collaborate in reviewing pertinent bills and draft regulations concerning the situation of children and youth.

The ombudspersons are appointed by the provincial governments. They are free from any interference from politicians and officials by virtue of a special constitutional privilege. In most states, the term of office ends after five years with the possibility of reappointment (in 2000, three ombudspersons were not nominated for a second term).

The connection between financial or employer dependence on the one hand, and independence in terms of contents on the other, always makes political positioning a difficult issue.

The offices have to submit an annual report about their activities and experiences to the provincial governments.

The cooperation with provincial governments and parliament is correct, but of course not all our ideas, concepts, suggestions and appeals are heard and realised (see above).

The relationship with the NGOs in Austria is very good and constructive. There are a lot of common projects like the annual celebration of the "day of the child" and joint efforts to make Children's Rights a more popular issue. Some NGOs and the ombusoffices were involved in the Austrian Report of the National Coalition for the Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (see above).

In particular, the child and youth ombudsoffices are determined to promote or demand the cooperation with social workers, the youth welfare agencies of the provinces, because these often only act as an "administration" of children and to not really defend the interests of children (e.g. foster children, assignment to a home, right of access, ...)

All the ombudsoffices in Austria maintain direct contact with children and young people, whether they come to the office personally, call, write letters or e-mails.

We provide information and give advice, we mediate between them and the parents or other professionals. We try to represent their interests, to find amicable solutions. We help them to solve their problems (see case studies).

Generally, the child and youth ombudsoffices are recognised as mediators of the concerns of children and young persons, although it should be attempted to increase the general awareness of its services, especially among young persons.

As the child and youth ombudsoffices are responsible for the entire province and as the use of the services offered by them is characterised by a pronounced town/countryside divide, some provinces are trying to regionalise the service. Networking with remote districts is a goal. In the long term, it would be desirable to open offices in the districts, but this presents financial problems.

Visits in schools are also a means of promoting the child and youth ombudsoffices. Sets of methods were developed to work creatively - during the lessons or during information visits - in subject areas affecting the child and youth ombudsoffices or the children/young persons. Furthermore, it is planned, for instance in Salzburg, to have young persons make a video about child and youth ombudsoffices which specifically addresses young persons.

Because of the name "Anwaltschaft", which literally translates as "the Bar", the child and youth ombudsoffices are sometimes mistaken for an attorney's office. Although the law does not provide for a representation of children and young persons in court, in some cases staff members of the child and youth ombudsoffices will accompany youths in court so that they have the support of somebody they trust; however, it is more frequent for the offices to contact the court by telephone or to send statements supporting the case of the affected to court (for instance in custody matters)

School mediation

Currently, school mediation projects are carried out in the following provinces: Carinthia, Tyrol, Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria.

Improvement of the protection of victims of violence and abuse (section 34 CRC)

Following an initiative of the child and youth ombudsoffices, most Austrian provinces have introduced free legal representation in criminal proceedings for under-age victims of violence and abuse. However, the funding method is unclear because the lawyers of the victims provide their work free of charge and do not receive payment from the state.

The child and youth ombudsoffices are currently trying to secure comprehensive psychosocial support for under-age victims of sexual offences during the trial. In some provinces, private associations are already offering this service (e.g. in Vienna, Salzburg). In this way, secondary traumatisation of the victims is to be prevented. Cooperation of the involved groups of professionals (youth welfare department, criminal investigation department, court) is indispensable to clarify and stop, respectively cope with, the consequences of abuse. Support during the trial means providing access to specialist information, advice and support for children and the persons they relate to, as well as cooperation with all involved groups of professionals throughout the trial. At federal level, the necessity of psychosocial support during the trial was also recognised. Consequently, the ministry of justice provides the relevant subsidies.

The "Network against sexual violence" established in some provinces creates networks and promotes the interdisciplinary exchange between different professional groups to prevent sexual abuse. As a preventive measure in the field of violence and sexual violence against children perpetrated by so-called "outsiders", the "Inspector Lux" project has been introduced for primary school children, for instance in Salzburg

"Inspector Lux Project"

Youth helps youth

In line with the peer group method, qualified young persons offer anonymous discussion and advice by telephone or e-mail on a voluntary basis. This service, available in some provinces, is to reach out to children and young people who are sometimes afraid of communicating their questions, concerns and needs to adults.

All young advisers were prepared for their task by the project sponsors (sometimes the child and youth ombudsoffices, currently in Vienna, Salzburg and Styria) and underwent several weeks of training. During the course, they received the necessary qualification to provide simple information, they were trained to accept incoming "emergency calls", and they were equipped with the knowledge to provide support via the hotline or by e-mail. However, support by an experienced adviser is always available during consulting hours, so that all personal questions and questions concerning the subject matter raised by the callers can be discussed directly.

UN-Convention on the Rights of the Child

We are trying very hard to publicise the idea. We developed some plays and information materials for children and adults, e.g. the postcard booklet "Children have rights ", "Children's rights - what parents should know " - an information booklet by the child and youth ombudsoffices of Austria.

In Salzburg, a project is being launched where information about the rights of children is communicated to the parents in a series of workshops. By attending these workshops, the parents also learn to explain legal problems to their children in an understandable way.