Unaccompanied Minor Children and Adolescents in Austria
Who Is Considered an Unaccompanied Minor?
Unaccompanied minor refugees are children and adolescents who are present in Austria without their parents or legal guardians. If it is not possible to place the child in the care of relatives or other responsible persons the competent guardianship court appoints an official guardian.
As a rule guardianship is carried out by the competent child and youth welfare authorities Kinder- und Jugendhilfe in the respective federal province of residence.
Child and Youth Welfare Authorities by Federal Province
The responsible services provide:
- Safe accommodation
- Social support
- Access to education and medical services
- Representation of the child’s interests in administrative and court proceedings
Service contacts:
- Vienna – Magistratsabteilung 11 MA 11 https://www.wien.gv.at/kontakt/ma11
- Lower Austria – Kinder- und Jugendhilfe https://noe.gv.at/noe/Jugend/Kinder-_und_Jugendhilfe.html
- Burgenland – Kinder- und Jugendhilfe https://www.burgenland.at
- Styria – Kinder- und Jugendhilfe https://www.verwaltung.steiermark.at
- Upper Austria – Kinder- und Jugendhilfe https://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at
- Salzburg – Kinder- und Jugendhilfe https://www.salzburg.gv.at
- Carinthia – Kinder- und Jugendhilfe https://www.ktn.gv.at
- Tyrol – Kinder- und Jugendhilfe https://www.tirol.gv.at
- Vorarlberg – Kinder- und Jugendhilfe https://vorarlberg.at
Role of Civil Society Organizations
SOS Children’s Village SOS-Kinderdorf
The organization supports children and families including Ukrainian unaccompanied minors.
In Vienna families who wish to host an unaccompanied adolescent may submit an application. The procedure includes:
- Initial contact and submission of the application
- Interview with representatives of the organization
- Assessment of the family’s readiness and suitability
- Matching a child taking into account the interests of both sides
- Introductory meetings
- Decision regarding joint living arrangements
Contact for inquiries
Theresia Verweyen
Phone +43 676 88 144918
Email theresia.verweyen@sos-kinderdorf.at
Buddy Program
Connecting People
This mentoring support program Buddy Program promotes the social integration of children and young people through individual mentoring and social contacts.
Psychological Support for Children and Parents
Rat auf Draht
Provides counseling for children adolescents and parents including guidance on how to talk to children about war stress and traumatic events.
Information is available on the following websites:
Departure of Young Men Aged 18–22
As of 26 August 2025 young men aged 18 to 22 are permitted to leave Ukraine in accordance with current Ukrainian legislation. It is recommended to verify applicable regulations before planning travel.
Important
The protection of the best interests of the child is a priority within the Austrian social welfare system. All decisions regarding guardianship accommodation and integration are made taking into account the child’s safety, well-being and long-term prospects.
Attention: As legislation and administrative procedures may change it is recommended to regularly check up-to-date information on official resources of the respective federal province or consult the competent authorities.
