19 staff members from the National Penitentiaries Administration and the National Probation Inspectorate enhanced their expertise in handling cases involving children in conflict with the law at a dynamic three-day interactive training session. Organized under the project “Ensuring an Effective Framework for the Protection of Children Against All Forms of Violence and Ensure Child-Friendly Justice,” the event focused on building participants’ skills and deepening their understanding of child protection standards.

Throughout the session, participants engaged with international guidelines on child-friendly justice and explored best practices for protecting children from violence. The program gave special attention to the unique profiles and needs of children within penitentiary and probation contexts, equipping staff with practical tools and strategies for their daily work.

The training drew on manuals developed in an earlier phase of the project  (Available in Romanian: Manual Instruire INP and Manual instruire ANP), ensuring a strong foundation in proven approaches for staff directly responsible for working with children in the justice system. The event underscored the commitment to ongoing professional development and the implementation of child-centered justice reforms.

Interactive group analyses facilitated the exchange of perspectives among professionals from different parts of the justice system, deepening their understanding of the profiles and development psychology of children in conflict with the law. In addition, the participants learned about alternative, restorative techniques for working with children in the justice system. The sessions emphasized promoting positive behavior, applying de-escalation strategies, using restorative practices, and developing essential counseling and communication skills.

Participants also had the opportunity to test and role-play these techniques in group settings, enriching their practical experience and fostering professional cooperation. This hands-on approach ensures that professionals are now better prepared to support the children they work with expertise, empathy and care.