Chapter 2 Austria - CEP, the European Organisation for Probation

In keeping with the European trend, victim orientation in criminal law isexpected to continue in Austria, too. The important thing is that the delicatebalance between the right to a fair trial and the consideration for the interest ofthe victim must be upheld in criminal proceedings. It seems possible to do so.However, if the scales are tipped to one side, this will be to the detriment ofprotecting fundamental rights and thus the rule of law, which in turn is a pillar ofour democratic systems. NEUSTART is committed, to offer assistance or supportto victims so that they can cope with their situation as good as possible and todevelop ways to leave behind being a victim.7.7 NEUSTART in the German Land Baden-WürttembergAs per 1 January 2007 the Land Baden-Württemberg entrusted NEUSTARTgGmbH Baden-Württemberg, a subsidiary of NEUSTART, with the tasks ofprobation work and court assistance (Gerichtshilfe). This is an importantdevelopment: firstly, it marks the first time in its 50 years of history thatNEUSTART is working outside of Austria. Secondly, this is the first time that anon-profit association is mandated to fulfil the tasks of probation work and courtassistance in Germany. The decision was preceded by a two-year regional pilotproject in Stuttgart and Tübingen and a Europe-wide invitation to tender underthe competitive dialogue regime. The relations with NEUSTART are governed bya general contract entered into with the Land Baden-Württemberg for a period often years. The services agreed upon mainly serve to improve the efficiency andtransparency of probation work and court assistance:- uniform quality standards for probation services and court assistance as wellas mediation in penal matters. These standards are set forth in a qualitymanual. Ongoing quality development and quality assurance will play animportant role in this context;- introduction of a concept of support levels in probation work which are gearedto needs and resources;- introduction of a management structure in professional and organizationalrespects: responsibility for the practical execution of tasks with clients lieswithin social work staff, the organization is structured according to economicaspects, based on modern methods of personnel management, such as theEFQM model;- integration of court assistance into the overall organization;- expansion of mediation in penal matters for adults;- establishment of a volunteer probation service system in addition toprofessionals;- introduction of a concept of regional agencies, with nine centres each headedby a regional manager in the land;- installation of a computer-based system to document social work;- establishment of a uniform personnel development and continuing educationsystem;- cooperation agreements with partner organizations, such as associationssupporting offenders and independent welfare organizations, for moreeffective networking.