New guidelines on child friendly justice, intended to enhance children’s access to and treatment within the justice system, have been adopted by the Council of Europe.
Key themes include the role of families and authority in decision-making, the need for respect and the importance minors attached to being heard and understood.
Young people aged, between 11 and 18, contributed directly to consultations through questionnaires and discussion groups.
Some 3,700 replies from 25 countries were later analysed by Dr Ursula Kilkelly, an Irish youth rights expert and incorporated into the drafting of the guidelines.
The Essential
Guidelines on child friendly justice
Report: Children And The Justice System – What You Told Us
Podcast: Child-friendly justice – Interview with Jan Kleijssen, Director of Standard-setting
Information: Useful links
