Study Gives a Voice to Foster Children in Postwar Vienna

It was discussed that foster children were often exploited and isolated as labourers and were exposed to psychological, physical and often sexual violence in almost all areas of everyday life. The care of the children was primarily focussed on the minimum needs of eating, sleeping and hygiene, and in the city also on schooling. Many of the former foster children were socially stigmatised and impaired in their psychosocial development. In addition to reduced educational and career opportunities, both psychological and physical impairments are lifelong consequences of being placed in foster care.