KOMF is supporting the drafting process of the Curriculum for Children for the justice system for children within the Academy of Justice.

The overall aim of the curriculum is to strengthen the justice system for children and minors in Kosovo, to improve the knowledge and skills of justice professionals in relation to children’s rights, juvenile justice and legal procedures affecting them. This includes knowledge of international and European standards, as well as best practices for dealing with children and juvenile cases in the justice system.

The new curriculum will focus on:

• Children’s rights: Ensure that legal professionals fully understand children’s rights and are able to protect them effectively.
• Juvenile justice: To provide professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle juvenile cases in accordance with the principles of justice, focusing on their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
• Child-friendly interviewing and communication techniques: Help professionals develop strong communication skills with children, creating a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

This curriculum improvement aims to create a fairer and more effective justice system for children and minors in Kosovo.

This Curriculum Program is dedicated to professionals in the child and juvenile justice system, specifically judges, prosecutors, lawyers, police officers and social workers who work with children, victim advocates and probation officers.

The curriculum will consist of 13 modules as follows:

General part:

Module 1: International and national legal framework for children’s rights and juvenile justice

Module 2: Developmental psychology of children and adolescents

Module 3: Communication and interviewing with children

Module 4: Assessment of children’s risk and needs

Criminal Part:

Module 5: Judicial procedures for children and minors

Module 6: Diversity measures and educational measures

Module 7: Protection of children without criminal liability and mediation

Module 8: Protection of child victims and witnesses

Module 9: Criminal offenses against sexual integrity

Civil Part:

Module 10: Judicial protection of children’s rights in contested and non-contested proceedings

Module 11: Alternative forms of child protection

Module 12: Protection of children’s rights in divorce proceedings

Module 13: Children’s rights in inheritance proceedings