violence against children WORLD REPORT ON - CRIN

5qualified and fit to work with children andyoung people, that their professional statusis recognised, and that their wages areadequate. Levels of staffing should ensureadequate supervision and oversight.4. Sensitise police, referral agencies, lawyers,judges, institution managers andstaff. Governments should ensure that allthose who come into contact with childrenduring the process of their assimilationinto care and justice systems shouldbe familiarised with children’s rights; thisapplies equally to the children concernedand to their parents.5. Ensure court systems are sensitive to theneeds of children and their families. Governmentsshould ensure that child victims,including those who have witnessed familyviolence, are not re-victimised during thejustice process nor subjected to extended ordrawn out cross-examination or other legalprocesses. In line with the Guidelines onJustice for Child Victims and Witnesses ofCrime (ECOSOC Resolution 2005/20),all investigations, law enforcement, prosecutionand judicial processes should takeinto account the needs of these childrenin terms of their age, sex, disability andlevel of maturity, and fully respect theirphysical, mental and moral integrity. If itis in their best interests, children should beaccompanied by a trusted adult throughouttheir involvement in the justice process.Moreover, the child’s privacy should beprotected, his or her identity and confidentialityrespected, and he or she should notbe subjected to excessive interviews, statements,hearings and unnecessary contactwith the justice process.Consideration should be given to the useof video-taping and other testimonial aidssuch as the use of screens or closed-circuittelevisions. Unnecessary contacts with thealleged perpetrator, or their defence counsel,should be eliminated. Speedy trialsshould also be ensured, unless delays arein the child’s best interests.6. Regularly reassess placements. Governmentsshould ensure that authoritiesregularly review the reasons for a child’splacement in care, residential or detentionfacilities, and assess whether continuedinstitutionalisation is necessary; children(and their parents when appropriate)should be involved in reviews at all stagesto determine appropriate care options.7. Ensure effective complaints, investigationand enforcement mechanisms. Governmentsshould ensure that children havesimple, accessible and safe opportunities toraise concerns and complain about the waythey are treated without the risk of reprisals,and have access to the courts when necessary.All allegations of violence must beinvestigated thoroughly and promptly, safeguarding‘whistleblowers’ from reprisals.8. Effective sanctions against perpetrators.Governments should adopt and applya continuum of appropriate criminal, civil,administrative and professional proceedingsand sanctions against individuals who are217Violence against Children in care and justice institutions