2023-08-04 11:59:00
The independent commission should review legislation, processes and interfaces and make any suggestions for improvement, said state councilor Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig (SPÖ) on Friday. A final report is to be presented in January 2024. The child from the Waidhofen an der Thaya district was hospitalized in November 2022 in a life-threatening condition. The mother was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The investigations by the public prosecutor’s office in Krems are still ongoing, the prosecutor said. An immediate review of the internal processes after the case became known showed that “all the requirements were met,” as the state councilor responsible for child and youth welfare emphasized again on Friday.
The “Child Protection” commission is now to investigate speculation that there could have been omissions on the part of official bodies and recommend possible improvements in cooperation between the various institutions. “The experts should shed light on the case and also develop suggestions on how child protection can be ensured across all systems in the best possible way,” said Königsberger-Ludwig.
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Child locked in dog box: Authorities are massively criticized
Chairwoman of the commission is the Lower Austrian child and youth advocate Gabriela Peterschofsky-Orange. Other members are Hedwig Wölfl, managing director of the child protection organization “möwe”, child and youth psychiatrist Paulus Hochgatterer and three lawyers from child and youth welfare, the education department and the state health agency.
No interim reports planned
Before the planned presentation of results at the beginning of 2024, there should be no interim reports so that the commission can work in peace, explained Königsberger-Ludwig. Regarding the costs, it was said that the chairperson and the three employees from child and youth welfare, from the education department and the state health agency do the work during their working hours, the other members receive an expense allowance.
There was still no information on the case itself, with reference to the ongoing legal proceedings and data and victim protection. The well-being of the child is the top priority, emphasized Königsberger-Ludwig. Information that could allow conclusions to be drawn about the data subjects could therefore not be published. The state councilor also referred to the confidentiality obligation laid down in the Children and Youth Welfare Act when she asked the Greens about the cause, which caused criticism from the party this week.
Mother in custody since autumn 2022
The accused mother is said to have beaten, tied up and gagged her son from the beginning of September to November 2022 and repeatedly locked him in a dog box for hours. She is also said to have let the child starve. On November 23, 2022, the boy had a body temperature of only 26.8 degrees and was in a coma. A social worker reportedly called an ambulance. The child was taken to a clinic. Police say his health has improved. According to media reports, hospital staff and a teacher should have informed the authorities beforehand. In addition, the child is said to have been picked up by the police when he stole food from supermarkets.
The mother has been in custody in Krems since autumn 2022. The woman is being investigated for attempted murder, torturing or neglecting underage, younger or defenseless persons and deprivation of liberty. A 40-year-old was arrested in early March. According to media reports, the woman in custody is said to have given the mother instructions on how to torment the child. A police officer who is said to have helped the 40-year-old to cover up her crimes is also being investigated.
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