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Alternatives to Detention for Migrant Children - Module IV: How to Communicate and Work with Children Subject to Alternatives to Detention

Date of creation
Name of project
CADRE Project (Children’s Alternatives to Detention protecting their Rights in Europe)
Author(s)
CADRE Project
EU or national law
EU law
Practice area
EU lawAdministrative mattersFundamental rightsHuman rightsImmigration and asylum lawRights of the childCriminal law
Type of self-learning material
Self-learning material
Target group
LawyersJudgesOther
Languages
English
Links to language versions
English

Description

Main learning objectives:

The fourth and last training module on alternatives to detention for migrant children provides participants with better knowledge of how to communicate and work with children subject to alternatives to detention. It first sets out the general principles relevant to ensuring respect for migrant children’s rights in these contexts before establishing the aims of the communication with the child. The module then provides the participants with practical tips and examples on how to communicate with a child, which participants will be able to translate into their work with migrant children. This last section allows participants to explore factors to consider when communicating with children and teaches participants how to adapt their language and environment to ensure better child participation and free communication. For this purpose, it proposes creative communication toolkits and alternative communication methods. This consequently allows participants to put into practice the rights of migrant children subject to alternatives to detention in a manner adapted to and appropriate for children seeking their best interests at all times. This project is funded by the European Union’s Justice Programme.

Target audience:

Professionals who work with migrant children including lawyers, judges and other justice professionals.

Table of contents:

  1. General Principles
  2. Setting the aims of the communication
  3. How to communicate with a child: practical tips and examples
  1. Ensure the presence of a reliable interpreter
  2. Be mindful of the role of a cultural mediator
  3. Make necessary adjustments based on the gender of the child
  4. Characteristics of the interviewers
  5. Alternative communication methods and creative communication toolkits
  6. Child-friendly communication: language and methods
  7. Factors for a child-friendly environment
  8. Respect for confidentiality
  9. Specific tips for lawyers and judges on information and communication with a migrant child involved in the judicial and administrative proceedings (initial steps)