Full cooperation with Austrian public prosecution authorities

At its meeting on 18 November, the International Board endorsed a formal resolution to fully cooperate with the competent Austrian public prosecution authorities in relation to relevant historical safeguarding and asset-misconduct allegations. As part of this cooperation, the organisation will submit the full 991-page Independent Special Commission (ISC) report commissioned from an impartial, expert commission by the federation’s Senate in 2021 and made available to that body on 1 May 2023, along with the relevant accompanying materials. A summary report was released to the public in 2023.

The Board underlined that supporting external clarification and, where appropriate, investigation of allegations is an essential part of meeting SOS Children’s Villages International’s own accountability standards.

Part of a wider reform process

These steps form part of a broader transformation undertaken by SOS Children’s Villages in recent years. Since 2023, the organisation has implemented major reforms to strengthen safeguarding systems, enhance oversight, and improve transparency across the federation. A new governance framework, introduced in 2024, established stronger checks and balances and a more democratic structure for all 100+ member associations.

The International Board, constituted on 28 June 2025 with an elected Chair, was given a clear mandate to address historical failures, rebuild trust, and ensure that children’s safety and wellbeing remain at the centre of all decision-making.

Statement from the Chair of the International Board

Speaking on the announcement, the Chair of the International Board said:

“Submitting the ISC report produced by an independent impartial, expert commission to the competent authorities is an important step in demonstrating our commitment to transparency and accountability. These actions reflect the determination of SOS Children’s Villages International and its new International Board to ensure that every child and young person in our care is protected, supported, and placed at the heart of everything we do.”

SOS Children’s Villages International will continue working closely with member associations of the federation, its partners globally, and relevant authorities in all countries and territories to strengthen safeguarding practices and uphold the highest standards of integrity across the federation.

For inquiries, contact press@sos-kd.org.

You can read this press release in German here.