On 21 May 2026, the Centre for European Constitutional Law hosted the final conference of the European project FOSTER – Fostering Child-Friendly Legal Environments through Collaborative Networks in Athens, under the title “Strengthening Child-Friendly Justice Systems for Child Victims of Crime.” The event was organised in cooperation with the project’s partners from Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovenia.
Held in a hybrid format, the conference brought together legal professionals, academics, judicial representatives, child protection experts and civil society practitioners from across Europe. A total of 106 participants from Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovenia attended either in person or online.
The FOSTER project aims to strengthen the knowledge and professional skills of lawyers and other practitioners working with child victims of crime, while fostering cooperation among legal professionals, judicial authorities, public institutions and civil society organisations active in the field of child protection.
During the opening session, the project’s key achievements and outcomes were presented, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in improving the protection and support provided to child victims of crime. Distinguished experts from the legal and academic sectors also addressed current developments and challenges in the implementation of child-friendly justice systems.
The conference featured three thematic panel discussions focusing on:
The protection of the rights of child victims of crime;
Safe and effective communication with child victims;
Practical and policy measures for strengthening child-friendly justice systems.
Through the exchange of expertise, experiences and good practices, participants gained valuable insights into the child protection mechanisms and safeguards currently in place across the partner countries. Discussions highlighted both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain in ensuring justice systems that fully respect and address the rights, needs and well-being of child victims of crime.
As it reaches its conclusion, the FOSTER project leaves behind a strengthened network of professionals and organisations committed to improving access to justice and protection for child victims of crime. The project has made a meaningful contribution to the promotion of child-friendly justice systems across Europe and to the development of long-term cross-sectoral cooperation in the field of child protection.
Please see attached the press release.
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