More districts affected

Staff shortage: new outcry at child welfare services

The state's child and youth welfare services have been struggling with a staff shortage for some time.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

Representatives of youth welfare authorities warn of a drastic situation in child and youth welfare. FPÖ state councillor for social affairs Pewny rules out any risk to the welfare of children.

The staffing situation in Salzburg's child and youth welfare services is apparently getting worse. In the meantime, the Salzburg-Umgebung district authority has also reported an overload and Tamsweg has reported a need for additional staff. An online meeting of the Child and Youth Welfare Advisory Board this week did not bring any relief.

Several representatives from the field warned of serious problems. "There is more than a fire under the roof. The responsible district authorities are warning of acute child welfare risks and are urgently calling for additional staff," reports Green Party MP Simon Heilig-Hofbauer.

Christian Pewny (FPÖ), the provincial councillor responsible for social affairs, says: "I can rule out the possibility that a child's welfare is at risk. Every endangerment report is investigated." He has made an appointment with Josef Schwaiger, the provincial personnel councillor, to look for a solution to the staffing crisis.