WEBINAR: remote hearings with children – practice and experience to inspire excellence in practice
Please join us 29 September for a webinar on remote hearings with children, organised by the Barnahus Network and The European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control, affiliated with the United Nations (HEUNI).
Across Europe, Barnahus are increasingly supporting children participating in judicial proceedings remotely. At the same time, many services are exploring how child-friendly, multidisciplinary approaches can also respond to the needs of children suspected or accused of criminal offences. These developments raise important questions about participation, procedural safeguards, the roles of different professionals, and how to ensure that children’s rights are upheld in practice.
This webinar brings together emerging European guidance, practical tools, and experience from jurisdictions already working in these areas. Participants will gain insights into how remote hearings can be organised in a child-friendly way, what Barnahus should consider when supporting children through these processes, and lessons from jurisdictions already putting these approaches into practice.
The webinar will also introduce several new resources developed through the E-ViVi project, including guidance on ground rules for remote hearings, legal support for children, and interviews with child suspects. Together, these resources aim to support Barnahus stakeholders in adapting and strengthening their practice in line with children’s rights and child-friendly justice principles.
Agenda:
Recommendations on preparing and conducting remote hearings with children - Oscar O’Mara, RAND and Essex University
The role of lawyers, and how Barnahus can ensure that all children have access to legal support - Casa Legal, Belgium
How Northern Ireland provides remote hearings with children, and the learnings that will inform the country’s future Barnahus – Nigel Bloomer, Ministry of Justice, Northern Ireland
What do Barnahus need to know about interviews with child suspects - Julia Korkman, HEUNI and Åbo Academy, Finland
Discussion
Who should join:
Professionals involved in the process of interviewing children, at all stages of the judicial process
Children’s rights experts
Legal experts
Researchers with interest in children in the legal system
Others who have interest, experience, and expertise in remote hearings and interviews with children who are suspected or accused of criminal offences.
This webinar is held as part of the E-ViVI project, which is developing tools and resources to support improved digital access to justice, including for children.
This project is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or JUST program. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.