The German government’s commissioner for the prevention of abuse, Kerstin Claus, is advocating for a state-funded basic pension for individuals who grew up in residential care facilities. Her call follows observations of a similar program implemented in Austria, which provides former care residents with a monthly payment of €300. Claus described Austria’s approach as a suitable model.
During the 1950s and 1960s, an estimated 800,000 children and adolescents in both West and East Germany resided in institutions. Numerous individuals who experienced this period have reported systematic abuse, including forced labor, psychological and physical maltreatment and sexual exploitation.
Claus highlighted a continuing injustice stemming from these experiences. Restrictions on child labor during that era have presented challenges for former residents seeking to claim pension benefits at a later stage in life. She argues this has resulted in a double deprivation-disenfranchisement during childhood and again during old age. Many former care residents also struggled to establish themselves in the workforce due to their experiences, leading to poverty in their later years.
She urged swift action from the state, emphasizing the urgency due to the advanced age of those affected and the need for a pragmatic solution.
In comments to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” Claus expressed disappointment regarding the lack of state compensation thus far, characterizing it as a significant failure. She criticized the perceived lack of focus on the needs of former care residents as disrespectful and dehumanizing. Claus underscored the state’s responsibility, pointing to the fact that the government placed children in institutions under the care of both religious and private organizations with insufficient oversight and accountability.
