A training session for National Police officers from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast concluded at Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs (DSUIA), focusing on interaction with children who are victims or witnesses of offenses, as well as those who have committed crimes.
The training was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with financial backing from the Government of Denmark. Co-organizers included the “Slavic Heart” charitable foundation and Ukraine’s Juvenile Police.
Participants comprised officers from juvenile prevention units and investigators authorized to handle cases involving children. The training, themed “Police Interaction with Children Using the ‘Green Room’ Method and ‘Barnahus’ Model, Particularly in Wartime Conditions,” aimed to enhance officers’ awareness and professional competence in child-focused methodologies.
The training was led by Alina Harkusha, Associate Professor of the Criminal Procedure Department at DSUIA, Candidate of Law, Associate Professor, Police Major, and Oksana Don, a psychologist, art therapist, expert with the Israeli Trauma Coalition, and coordinator for child and adolescent programs at the NGO “Crisis Psychological Assistance in Dnipro and Oblast.”
Participants explored children’s rights under international and national legislation, specifics of preventing gender-based and domestic violence, psychological characteristics of children who have experienced abuse, and the application of the “Green Room” and “Barnahus” methodologies.
The training also addressed principles of a child-centered approach, the psychologist’s role during interviews with children who have experienced or witnessed violence (including domestic), restorative justice programs for minors suspected or accused of crimes, and related topics.
At the conclusion, DSUIA First Vice-Rector Ihor Magdalina and Gender Issues Assistant to the Rector, Doctor of Law, Professor, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine Larysa Nalyvaiko engaged with participants. Magdalina emphasized the importance of the acquired knowledge, noting that police officers must be a reliable support for citizens, especially children.
Participants received certificates upon completion.
— 49