Translation

Final Conference

 

Retrospective of the Final Conference

On 20 May 2026, partners, professionals, researchers, and stakeholders from across Europe gathered in Ghent for the Final Conference of the CHILD Project. The event provided an inspiring opportunity to reflect on the project's achievements, exchange experiences, and discuss the future of child-friendly justice in Europe.

Throughout the day, speakers shared promising practices, explored the project's key findings and tools, and generated new ideas for improving support and justice responses for child victims and witnesses of violence. Meaningful discussions and exchanges throughout the conference helped build stronger connections among professionals working to improve justice systems for children across Europe.

As the CHILD Project comes to an end, we are proud of what we have achieved together and grateful to everyone who contributed to this important journey. The discussions, partnerships, and ideas developed through the project will continue to support efforts towards more child-friendly justice systems across Europe.

Take a look at some highlights from the Final Conference in the photos below! © Gunther Ruyssinck

    XI World Congress on Childhood and Youth | Porto 2026

    In 2026, Porto will host the XI World Congress on Childhood and Youth, an international space for reflection and dialogue on the challenges facing childhood and youth in a constantly changing world. Under the theme “Navigating Diversity, (In)equality and Inclusion”, the Congress brings together experts, educators, policymakers, and young people to foster inclusive debates and develop strategies that value diversity and address inequalities.

    The event includes a Youth Programme, aimed at young people aged 12 to 18, featuring educational, participatory, and awareness-raising activities. The Programme will take place on 18, 19, and 20 November 2026, with groups of up to 20 participants, and will be delivered by partner organizations.

    Participants in the CHILD Conference are eligible for a 10% discount on the submission of papers and posters, upon use of a PROMOCODE, which will be 
    sent after the Conference.

    The Congress also features an official podcast, available on Spotify and 
    YouTube, dedicated to sharing reflections, debates, and contributions from experts and young people.

    More information:
    Official website: 
    https://xi-congressoinfanciaejuventude.eventqualia.net/pt/inicio/
    Email: xicongressoinfanciajuventude@gmail.com 

    Congress Podcast:
    Spotify: https://bit.ly/4rykgcT 
    YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@XICongressoInfanciaeJuventude 

    Social media:
    Instagram: @xicongressoinfanciajuventude

    Project Partners

     
    Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (SPAVO, Cyprus):

    The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family (APHVF) is the only organization in Cyprus dedicated to addressing domestic and gender-based violence, with 30 years of experience in protecting and supporting victims while promoting a violence-free society. APHVF provides a range of essential frontline services, including the National Helpline 1440, counseling, legal, psychological, and social support, as well as operating the only shelters for victims and offering intervention program for perpetrators. APHVF also raises awareness, promotes prevention policies, advises on legislative reforms, and engages the public through educational programs. Since 2020, APHVF coordinates the "Women's House," a multidisciplinary center for gender-based violence, and since 2023 manages "Sofi's House," supporting young and underage mothers who are asylum seekers.

     
    Directia de Asistenta Sociala si Medicala (DASM, Romania):

    The Social and Medical Services Directorate (D.A.S.M- Direcția de Asistență Socială și Medicală, Cluj-Napoca) is the main public provider of social and medical services and social benefits at local level (Cluj-Napoca). The institution was created in 2008 and it is subordinated to the Local Council of the Municipality of Cluj-Napoca. 
    Its mission is identifying the social problems and needs of the community; finding the proper solutions regarding child and family protection, the elderly, persons with disabilities and other persons in need or vulnerable groups, social and community development, prevention and management of social risks. Its actions are directed towards the individual, the family, the community level. 
    The Objectives of DASM: preventing situations which could lead to social marginalization; supporting the ones in need in overcoming difficulties in order to limit/tackle temporary/permanent effects of situations which can generate social exclusion; increasing the quality of life; promoting the social inclusion of vulnerable persons and groups within the local community. 

     

     
    Verein Autonome Österreichische Frauenhäuser (AOF, Austria):

    The Association of Austrian Autonomous Women’s Shelters (AOF) is the network of autonomous women’s shelters in Austria and was founded in 1988. AOF supports and coordinates the work of 16 autonomous women’s shelters and has been active in the field of violence protection and prevention ever since. The association supports all forms of prevention through five pillars of work: Information Centre against Violence, Women’s helpline, Help Chat for women and girls, StoP – districts without partner violence and BAKHTI – Center for Empowerment for girls and women affected by violence. 

     
    Ghent University, International Center for Reproductive Health (UGent, ICRH, Belgium)

    The International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH) operates as a multidisciplinary center within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Ghent University, Belgium. ICRH is dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) worldwide. The center orchestrates a blend of research, education, and societal outreach across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. With a vision to act as a global catalyst for evidence-based improvements in SRHR, ICRH is committed to influencing policies, enhancing educational practices, and fostering better health outcomes globally.

     
    Uniao de Mulheres Alternativa e Resposta (UMAR, Portugal):

    UMAR - União de Mulheres Alternativa e Resposta [Alternative and Response Women's Association] is a feminist NGO, formed in September 1976. UMAR is responsible for operating different support centres, shelters and emergency rooms in different parts of the country, including a specialized service for children and adolescents victims of domestic violence. Since 2004 operates a gender-based violence prevention programme in schools. UMAR has also been providing recommendations and policy advisory to different governments and being involved in national and international projects and the training of health, social, educational and judicial operators. 

     
    Una Casa per l'Uomo (UCPU, Italy):

    Una Casa per l'Uomo is an Italian NGO established in 1992 dedicated to preventing and combating gender-based violence (GBV). UCPU provides women support services, shelter homes for women victims of violence and their children, as well as a treatment programme for perpetrators.
    UCPU's approach is transcultural and gender-oriented, focusing on multidisciplinary and multiagency work to create a cohesive system of services. These services are integrated within local public and private social service networks, fostering collaboration and maximizing resource impact.

     
    Charles III University of Madrid (UC3M, Spain):

    Carlos III University of Madrid is a public higher education institution. Within the CHILD project, UC3M is represented by a specialized team in criminal procedure, restorative justice, and victims' rights  

     
    Union of Women Associations of Heraklion Prefecture (UWAH, Greece – Coordinator):

    Founded in 2001, UWAH is a registered NGO and Certified Provider of Social Services in Greece, based in Heraklion, Crete. It works to protect women’s rights and combat intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and gender-based violence, focusing on women and girls. UWAH collaborates with local, national, and EU organizations and is a member of WAVE, WWP EN, the European Family Justice Alliance (EFCJA), and EUROCHILD. UWAH operates a 24/7 helpline, a Counseling Center, a Shelter for survivors (8 seats), and a Perpetrators Program (since 2021, under WWP EN supervision). It also runs the Regional Observatory for Gender-Based Violence in Crete, providing key insights through research and training. Annually, UWAH supports 100+ women and girls, handles 500+ crisis calls, and trains 300+ professionals at regional and national levels. Through its services, advocacy, and training initiatives, UWAH remains at the forefront of fighting gender-based violence and promoting systemic change.

     
    Women’s Support and Information Centre (WSIC, Estonia):

    WSIC is an NGO, founded in 2002 as a first shelter in Estonia focused on supporting women suffering from violence. WSIC focuses on creating conditions for stopping the mechanisms of domestic violence, to enable rehabilitation and re-socialization of survivors . WSICs goal is to raise the level of awareness among all stakeholders involved by providing training and technical assistance to the police, prosecutors, social workers, health workers and political leaders on all of the dimensions of the issue.