I am more than what happened
A child in contact with the justice system is A CHILD who needs support and care
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Children who come in contact with the justice system – as victims, witnesses or in conflict with the law - experience psychological trauma.
Whether through exposure to adverse childhood experiences at home or through the interaction that brings them in contact with the justice system, trauma can have a profound impact on their ability to think, feel and behave. It’s difficult to know who and to what extent is affected by trauma, so systems and communities must ensure that all children feel safe, secure, seen, and soothed.
The way children in conflict with the law and children at risk are treated by the system and community will determine the path they take to recovery. Punitive measures to correct a child’s behaviour can have negative life-time consequences.
One of the principles of child-friendly justice is looking at detention as a measure of last resort, moving the focus to alternative measures and reintegration of children in conflict with the law. This way, boys and girls in the justice system receive additional support for rehabilitation, resocialization and reintegration into society, based on their individual needs and can continue with their regular education and community life.
A child in contact with the justice system is A CHILD who needs support and care.
Testimonials
Exposure to traumatic events in early childhood often have a lifelong impact. Four children share their stories on trauma and lost trust in those who were supposed to take care of them, on recovered self-love, hope and dreams for the future.
Editorials and video testimonials based on true stories
System in the best interest of the child
When children are in contact with the justice and child protection systems, they are in contact with various professionals and institutions who make decisions about their future. Therefore, it is of upmost importance that all professionals who make the decisions, are led by the best interest of children. An individual approach with empathy and careful consideration may have enormous positive effect on their future.
Youth Advocates for Justice for Children
Adolescents designed and developed ideas for equitable access to justice through Youth Advocates for Justice for Children initiative.