


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
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.14dd5266c70789bdc806364df4586335-gdprlock/@XICongressoInfanciaeJuventude
Social media:
Instagram: @xicongressoinfanciajuventude
Each year, approximately 2.5 million children across the EU are involved in judicial proceedings as witnesses, victims, or parties to proceedings. Yet most national justice systems remain adult-oriented, and professionals frequently lack the specialised training needed to support children effectively. The CHILD project addresses this gap with a newly developed Guide for Professionals on Forensic Interviewing and Protection of Child Victims of Violence in Criminal Justice Proceedings.
The guide promotes a trauma-informed and child-friendly approach throughout criminal justice proceedings, placing particular emphasis on forensic interviewing and multidisciplinary and interagency collaboration. The guide is addressed to all professionals who interact with child victims in criminal justice proceedings: prosecutors, judges, lawyers, police officers, ad hoc guardians and special representatives, as well as health, welfare, care, and victim support professionals. While core principles are shared, the guidance is designed to be applied according to each professional's specific role — from informing legal decision-making and evidence gathering to advocating for the child's best interests and supporting multidisciplinary collaboration.
Here you can find the National Report in English and in Portuguese.
Here you can find the Transnational Report in Dutch.
Here you can find the Transnational Report in Estonian.
Here you can find the Transnational Report in German.
Here you can find the Transnational Report in Greek.
Here you can find the Transnational Report in Italian.
Here you can find the Transnational Report in Portuguese.
Here you can find the Transnational Report in Romanian.
Here you can find the Transnational Report in Spanish.
This assessment examines the European Commission’s proposal to revise Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime. It focuses on the practical implementation, legal coherence and effectiveness of the proposed amendments, with particular attention to the needs and rights of child victims.
Building on existing EU law and policy, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the EU Strategy on Victims’ Rights, the assessment analyses whether the proposed changes adequately address the implementation gaps identified in recent evaluations. While welcoming the objectives of the reform, it also formulates recommendations to further strengthen the protection of victims and to ensure that victims’ rights are effectively realised in practice across all EU Member States.
Within the CHILD project, Policy Recommendations on Child-Friendly Justice for Child Victims of Violence and Forensic Interviewing at EU Level have been developed.
The recommendations are based on nine national reports and one transnational comparative report assessing the strengths and shortcomings of existing child protection and child-friendly justice systems (see below). They promote the best interests of the child as the guiding principle in all proceedings involving child victims and highlight the need for effective implementation of the EU Victims’ Rights Directive (Directive 2012/29/EU).The document provides concrete recommendations to strengthen child-friendly justice, improve forensic interviewing and support services, and ensure that the rights of child victims are effectively protected across the European Union.
As part of the CHILD project, National Policy Recommendations have been developed for each participating country. Based on the findings of the national assessments, the recommendations address country-specific challenges and identify measures to strengthen child protection, child-friendly justice and forensic interviewing. They provide practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners to improve the protection of child victims of violence and to ensure that their rights are effectively implemented in national legal and institutional frameworks.
Sophie König - Project Communications Officer
