Strengthening interdisciplinary approaches in the management of cases of children in conflict and contact with the law, October 2021 - August 2022, implemented in Shkodra and Puka

The programme was undertaken as part of the initiative “Transforming National Response to Human Trafficking” Initiative coordinated by UNICEF Albania, with the support of the UK Embassy. 
 
It was implemented in partnership between UNICEF and the consortium of organizations: Albanian Foundation for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation of Disputes and the Community Development Center "Today for the Future", in the districts of Shkodra and Puka.
 
Through this programme, the partner organizations aimed at supporting the local institutions that have a role in the administration of Juvenile Justice in the implementation of the Juvenile Criminal Justice Code and the National Strategy for Children, as well as raising their awareness on respecting the children rights and application of diversion and alternative measures to criminal proceedings.
 
Some of the main results of the project:

- 2 Cooperation multiparty agreements between institutions responsible and participating in the administration of criminal justice for minors on the coordination of activities for a child-friendly justice at the local level,  reached in Shkodra and Puka.
- 76 professionals from local institutions of justice, law enforcement and service providers, who handle cases of children in contact/conflict and risk situations, increased their capacities in the field of child-friendly justice, implementation of restorative approaches, alternative measures, diversion, mediation and other forms of restorative justice and the dimension of gender equality.
- 149 cases were referred by institutions to be managed through the interdisciplinary approach, including legal aid, psychological service, food packages, professional tool kits, etc.
- 28 cases were managed through restorative practices.
- 39 children and young people were involved in mentoring and re-integration programs.
- 362 children and young people and some parents were involved in recreational activities.
- 95 parents were informed and aware of positive parenting.
- 182 students, teachers, psychologists, security workers, school leaders were involved in the conflict resolution program through restorative dialogue, mediation and the peace circle, promoting this model and at the Juvenile Justice Day in Shkodra, attended by 72 participants, representatives from local institutions, community of parents, students, teachers.
- 111 participants (74 parents and 37 children) informed and made aware of children's rights in criminal processes, alternative measures and restorative justice.
- 1 mini-theatre play "Justice is friendly to you", performed by the students of "Sabah Sinani" high school, Pukë.