1. Unlocking Children’s Rights
Module 4 – The Child-Friendly Justice Guidelines
Co-funded by the Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme of the European Union
And the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust

2. What does ‘child-friendly’ justice mean?
What do you think of when you hear the words ‘child-friendly justice?’ 

3. What does ‘child-friendly’ justice mean?
“….effective implementation of all children's rights….giving due consideration to the child’s level of maturity and understanding and the circumstances of the case.”
- Child-Friendly Justice Guidelines, para 2(c)

4. Child-Friendly Justice is…..
Accessible
Age appropriate
Speedy
Diligent
Adapted to and focused on the needs and rights of the child
Respecting:
The right to participation
The child’s integrity and dignity
Due process rights
Private and family life
- Child-Friendly Justice Guidelines, para 2(c)

5. Child-Friendly Justice
Why do you think child-friendly justice is important? 

6. Why does ‘child-friendly’ justice matter?
Better outcomes for the child
Better (more accurate) evidence for proceedings
Better (more accurate) decision making
The Guidelines raise the profile and importance of child-friendly justice

7. Child-Friendly Justice Guidelines (2010)
Apply to children (under 18s) in contact with the justice system, including:
Criminal justice
Civil justice
Administrative justice

8. The Guidelines apply to:
Individual decision-making
Systemic issues
Before, during and after judicial proceedings

9. Examples of Child-Friendly Justice before proceedings
Children informed in a timely manner and consulted
Questioning, interviews and other interactions conducted in a child-friendly way
Availability of alternatives to judicial proceedings
High minimum age of criminal responsibility determined by law
Access to legal assistance and advice
Safety / special protective measures
Others?

10. Examples of Child-Friendly Justice During proceedings
Access to legal representation
Right to be heard and express views
Avoidance of undue delay
Appropriate communication techniques
A child-friendly environment

11. Good practice example: Empowering Children Foundation, Poland

12. Good practice example: Empowering Children Foundation, Poland

13. Practice examples
Does anyone have good (or bad) practice examples about child-friendly justice during proceedings? 

14. Examples of Child-Friendly Justice after proceedings
Child informed of on-going procedures and outcomes
Judicial decisions enforced and monitored
Provision of counselling or other rehabilitation services
Sanctions for children in conflict with the law must be compliant with international standards and best practices
Others?

15. The Child-Friendly Justice Guidelines - sections
I. Scope and purpose
II. Definitions
III. Fundamental principles
A. Participation
B. Best interests of the child
C. Dignity
D. Protection from discrimination
E. Rule of Law

16. The Child-Friendly Justice Guidelines - sections
IV. Child-friendly justice before, during and after judicial proceedings
A. General elements of child-friendly justice
Information and advice
Protection of private and family life
Safety (special preventative measures)
Training of professionals
Multi-disciplinary approach
Deprivation of liberty

17. The Child-Friendly Justice Guidelines - sections
IV. Child-friendly justice before, during and after judicial proceedings
B. Child-friendly justice before judicial proceedings
C. Children and the police

18. The Child-Friendly Justice Guidelines - sections
D. Child-friendly justice during judicial proceedings
Access to the court and to the judicial process
Legal counsel and representation
Right to be heard and to express views
Avoiding undue delay
Organisation of the proceedings, child-friendly environment and child-friendly language
Evidence/ statements by children

19. The Child-Friendly Justice Guidelines - sections
E. Child-friendly justice after judicial proceedings
V. Promoting other child-friendly actions
VI. Monitoring and assessment