CHILD Project Comes to an End After Two Years of Strengthening Child-Friendly and Trauma-Informed Justice

After two years of collaboration, the CHILD Project – Towards a CHILD-friendly legal Order for Fair Justice Provision – has come to an end. The EU-funded initiative, running from July 2024 to June 2026, brought together organizations and professionals from...

Throughout the project, partners worked together to identify challenges in existing justice responses, strengthen cooperation between relevant sectors, and develop practical tools to support professionals working with children in contact with the justice system. The project focused on improving the implementation of existing legal frameworks and promoting structural changes at national and European level. 

 

Building stronger child-friendly justice systems 

Children involved in criminal justice proceedings often face complex and stressful situations. The CHILD Project addressed these challenges by supporting professionals in understanding children’s experiences, recognizing the effects of trauma, and adapting procedures to better meet children’s rights and needs. 

The project brought together professionals from different fields, including law enforcement, judiciary, legal practice, child protection, healthcare, and victim support services. Through this multidisciplinary approach, CHILD promoted cooperation between sectors and encouraged coordinated responses that place children’s safety, dignity, and well-being at the center. 

 

Key achievements and outcomes 

A major achievement of the project is the development of the Guide for Professionals on Forensic Interviewing and Protection of Child Victims of Violence in Criminal Justice Proceedings. The guide provides practical support for professionals involved in criminal justice proceedings concerning child victims of violence and combines evidence-based knowledge, legal standards, and practical recommendations. 

The guide focuses on: 

• understanding violence against children and its impact; 

• applying trauma-informed approaches; 

• conducting child-friendly forensic interviews; 

• preventing secondary victimization; 

• strengthening child protection throughout proceedings; and 

• improving cooperation between professionals. 

The guide is designed for prosecutors, judges, lawyers, police officers, guardians and representatives, as well as professionals working in health, welfare, care, and victim support services. 

 

From research to practice 

In addition to the Guide for Professionals, the CHILD Project developed research-based resources, including national and transnational reports, capacity-building activities, and multidisciplinary case management sessions. 

These activities supported the identification of gaps and promising practices across partner countries and contributed to recommendations for strengthening child-friendly justice approaches in Europe. 

A central focus throughout the project was the prevention of secondary victimization. By promoting trauma-informed procedures, child-friendly communication, forensic interviewing standards, and multidisciplinary cooperation, CHILD aimed to ensure that children are protected while participating in justice proceedings. 

 

Looking back: collaboration as the foundation for change 

The successful implementation of the CHILD Project was made possible through the commitment and expertise of partners and professionals from different sectors and countries. Their cooperation demonstrated the importance of shared responsibility in building justice systems that respond effectively to the needs of children. 

The project’s final conference, held on 20 May 2026 in Ghent, brought together partners, professionals, researchers, and stakeholders from across Europe to reflect on achievements, exchange experiences, and discuss the future of child-friendly justice. 

 

Continuing the journey towards child-friendly justice 

Although the project has officially concluded, the work towards more child-friendly justice systems continues. The tools, knowledge, and partnerships developed through CHILD provide a foundation for future initiatives supporting children’s rights and improving responses to violence. 

Further efforts are needed to ensure that children’s own perspectives are increasingly included in the development of justice systems. Continued research, professional training, and cooperation between sectors remain essential to ensure that every child involved in legal proceedings is heard, protected, and supported. 

The CHILD Project leaves behind a lasting contribution: practical guidance, stronger professional networks, and a shared commitment to making justice systems across Europe safer and more responsive for children. 

 

About CHILD Project 

CHILD – Towards a CHILD-friendly legal Order for Fair Justice Provision is an EU-funded initiative aimed at improving the judicial system for child victims and witnesses of violence. The project ran for 24 months and brought together professionals from various sectors to promote structural reforms, better collaboration, and advocacy for child-friendly legal frameworks across the EU. Find more information and access all resources free of charge here: https://childfriendlyjustice.eu/#home