On May 22, 2025, we are hosting an international youth detention conference in Salzburg, Austria, in collaboration with the Kinder- und Jugendanwaltschaft Salzburg (Children and Youth Advocacy, Kija) and RESCALED, the European movement for detention houses.

The conference will focus on the RESCALED model, which advocates for small-scale, differentiated, and community-integrated detention houses. We will build on the conclusions of the justice ministers of the 27 EU member states, who unanimously endorsed the use of detention houses on June 14, 2024. Additionally, the concept of small detention houses has been recognized as a recommendation by the UN Human Rights Council. Alongside presenting the RESCALED model, we will examine the current situation in Austria and highlight successful practices from across Europe, such as Seehaus in Germany, Fundación Diagrama in Spain, KVJJ Amsterdam, and the work of the Estonian Ministry of Justice under the European Social Fund.

This conference aims to bring together key stakeholders, renowned national and international experts, practitioners working with young people, and leading researchers to discuss innovative approaches to youth detention.

Our goal is to further develop the idea of detention houses, particularly for young incarcerated individuals, within the Austrian justice system. We will explore the differences between detention houses and traditional correctional facilities while advocating for broad social and political support.

The topic is particularly relevant as Austria’s only youth detention facility was closed in 2024, prompting a re-evaluation of approaches to youth detention. Correctional facilities across Europe face significant challenges, especially regarding overcrowding and staff shortages. The report Prisons and Prisoners in Europe 2023 confirms this issue: in countries like Austria, Belgium, Greece, Romania, Hungary, and France, the occupancy rate exceeds 100%, significantly straining detention facilities.

In addition to overcrowding, persistent staff shortages pose a serious challenge. A 2023 report by the Austrian Court of Audit highlights that, despite high demand and great efforts, correctional facilities struggle with severe staffing deficits. This directly affects the supervision and reintegration of incarcerated individuals, as educational, work, and recreational programs—which are proven to facilitate successful reintegration into society—are limited. Furthermore, staff shortages not only impact incarcerated individuals but also place a heavy burden on existing personnel. Increasing demands coupled with understaffing make working conditions more difficult, potentially leading to higher absenteeism and reduced job attractiveness, exacerbating the staffing crisis.

These structural challenges significantly hinder the work of the justice system and its employees, ultimately affecting the long-term reintegration of incarcerated individuals. Given these pressing issues, targeted measures and investments are urgently needed. Together, we seek to develop sustainable solutions that will contribute to the reintegration of young people within the justice system in the long run.