Care and support for children and young people in institutions

Sometimes it is not possible to care for a child at home. Then it has to be cared for or looked after in a facility for a short or longer period of time. This is the case, for example, if your child ...

  • has a serious illness.
  • has a severe disability.
  • must be ventilated.
  • is life-threateningly ill.
  • cannot be cared for or looked after at home around the clock.

In these cases, there are specialized facilities where your child can be cared for. From day centers to facilities for people with disabilities, there are various options for the care and support of your child. Facilities for children and young people are equipped to meet their needs.

Offers for the care and supervision of your child

If you are looking for a child and adolescent psychiatric day clinic in your federal state, click here:

Child and adolescent psychiatric day clinics - ÖGKJP website

There are various offers for young people with disabilities. For example, children can spend a weekend or the vacations in socio-educational facilities with a focus on disability work:

Department of Inclusion of Child and Youth Services MA 11 - Website City of Vienna

Information on short-term accommodation in a facility for people with disabilities and on housing options for young people with disabilities can be found in the following brochure on pages 26 and 27 as well as 34 and 35:

Brochure "ElternTipps Kinder mit Behinderung" (children with disabilities) - Advice for special families - Federal Chancellery

The care and support center in Perchtoldsdorf, a town in Lower Austria, is also aimed at children and young people. Young people with multiple, severe disabilities are looked after and cared for here over a longer period of time. If you are no longer able to cope with your child's care situation, you can consider being admitted there.

You can find more information under the following Link:

Long-term care - Website Lower Austrian Care and Support Centre Perchtoldsdorf

Sometimes it is not possible to care for children with severe disabilities at home. Placement in a home is a solution for those who see no other option. However, the relationship between parents and child should be maintained and nurtured. Further information can be found here:

Children and disabilities at home - oesterreich.gv.at

There are also facilities for children with life-shortening illnesses. You and your child can be admitted to an inpatient children's hospice for a certain period of time. In Vienna, you have the opportunity to have your child looked after for a few hours in a day hospice. This option gives you and your child the space you need to recharge your batteries for everyday life.

You can find more information here:

Offer to care for a child until their death

Last update: July 31, 2025