On 29 September 2026, the Children’s Rights Division of the Council of Europe and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) launched Phase II of the joint Child-friendly Justice Project and held its first Steering Committee meeting.
Running until June 2028, Phase II builds on the achievements of Phase I and aims to further strengthen the protection of children in contact with the law – as offenders, victims, witnesses or parties – in administrative, civil and criminal proceedings and non-judicial processes across Europe, at both national and local levels.
France and Greece have been selected as focus countries, while Italy and the Slovak Republic will participate as partner countries. Activities in the focus countries will be implemented at national and local levels to collect data, identify gaps, and improve legislation, policies and practices, and strengthen the capacities of specialised professionals in child-friendly procedures. The project will also raise awareness among children in contact with the law, their parents and guardians, about children’s rights concerning diversion and child-friendly alternatives to detention, restorative justice, and the prevention of first offences and reoffending.
Phase II will further enrich the Child-friendly Justice Assessment Tool through three new annexes addressing thematic areas identified during Phase I: diversion and child-friendly alternatives to detention, restorative justice, and the prevention of first offences and reoffending.
A panel featuring representatives of the focus and partner countries shared insights into the state of child-friendly justice in France, Greece, Italy and the Slovak Republic. Panelists highlighted key legal and policy reforms needed to strengthen children’s access to justice in their respective countries.
The event also brought together representatives of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the Child-friendly Justice European Network, marking the beginning of a new phase of co-operation for child-friendly justice across Europe.
Child-Friendly Justice Assessment Tool, available in Dutch, English, French, Slovenian and Polish
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