On 27 March 2025, the Council of Europe launched the Child-Friendly Justice Assessment Tool in Brussels, developed as part of a joint project with the European Commission.
The tool offers a structured self-assessment framework built around 18 indicators, helping countries examine three dimensions of their justice systems: what is enshrined in law, what institutions and mechanisms are in place, and how justice is actually delivered in practice. It covers children in contact with the justice system in all roles, including children in conflict with the law.
It is not a ranking mechanism. It is a starting point for honest national reflection, designed to identify gaps and support reform priorities across Council of Europe member states.
Three countries, Belgium, Poland and Slovenia, piloted the tool and shared their findings at the event. Greece, Hungary and Portugal also contributed as partner countries.
At ICJA, through our Child Justice Lab, we follow developments in this space closely. Tools that move from principles to measurable practice are precisely what systemic reform requires. We look forward to engaging with this work as it develops, particularly in view of a second phase of the project expected from 2026.
The tool is available on the Council of Europe website: here
