Austria
The Republic of Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is surrounded by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. More than 8 million people live in Austria with the capital city of Vienna being home to almost 2 million.
SOS Children’s Villages was founded in 1949 as a response to the misery of children growing up without parental care in post-war Austria. In the following decades, the organization grew both within Austria and abroad.
Children are at risk
It is estimated that 380.000 children in Austria grow up in poverty. In spite of the fact that all children have access to free education, those from families with lower incomes are less likely to succeed in school. Poverty in Austria especially affects single-parent households, single retired women, families with more than three children and persons with non EU/EFTA citizenship.
1 in 5
Children grows up in poverty
Child poverty
Disadvantages that parents experience due to material poverty are likely to be passed on to children. Poverty in Austria especially affects families with migrant or refugee background, children whose parents are unemployed or unable to work, or children with chronically ill parents. Children who grow up in poverty are more vulnerable to the effects of deprivation, facing long-term consequences to their development, educational outcomes, as well as their physical and mental health.
25,000
Young people are unemployed
Youth unemployment
Unemployment affects more than 6% of the working force in Austria. However, around 8% of young people (aged 15-24) are unemployed, due to skills gaps, a lack of job-specific experience, and temporary work contracts. Young people who experience unemployment at an earlier age are more likely to face fewer development opportunities, lower wage levels as well as poorer prospects for better jobs in the long-term.
41%
Of young people experience symptoms of depression
Mental health
In Austria, around 41% of 18 to 24-year-olds experience symptoms of depression. Young people from poorer socio-economic backgrounds, in precarious financial situations or facing unemployment are more likely to suffer from depression. While the Austrian healthcare system is known for nearly universal coverage and accessibility of services, mental healthcare services are often difficult and costly to access.
Together we can make a difference for children in Austria
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886
Families
Can stay together
2,109
Adults and children
Are supported through a variety of programmes
1,211
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
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203
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
