Psychoeducational Tool for Kids in Court Wins Council of Europe’s Crystal Scales Prize
A psychoeducational tool designed to support children giving evidence in court has won the prestigious Crystal Scales of Justice Prize, awarded by the Council of Europe. The tool, called Kids in Court Psychoeducational Tool (KiCPsy-Tool), was developed by a team led by Dr. Marilena Kyriakidou at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK, along with Dr. Alexia Zalaf from the University of Nicosia and Joanna Drousiotou from Hope for Children CRC Policy Centre.
The Crystal Scales of Justice Prize aims to recognize innovative and effective practices within the judicial system. Out of 48 projects submitted from 17 countries, the KiCPsy-Tool was chosen as the winning initiative. This acknowledgement highlights the significance and impact of the innovative tool in supporting children involved in alleged child sexual offense cases.
The KiCPsy-Tool consists of four mini board games that seek to assist children in understanding and navigating the legal process when giving evidence in court. By engaging children in playful activities, the tool enhances their knowledge of the legal system and aims to reduce the stress they may experience in court-related proceedings.
Early indications from the pilot phase, which took place at the Children’s House in Cyprus, suggest that the KiCPsy-Tool successfully alleviates children’s court-related stress while increasing their understanding. This, in turn, helps practitioners provide more effective support to children involved in such cases.
Dr. Alexia Zalaf, an Assistant Professor at the UNIC School of Humanities and Social Sciences, expressed her gratitude for this recognition, stating, We are thrilled to have been awarded the Crystal Scales of Justice Prize. Our aim was to develop an effective tool that would empower children and enhance their understanding of court processes. This award reaffirms the importance of supporting child victims and witnesses within the legal system.
With an increasing focus on child protection and ensuring fair and just court procedures, the KiCPsy-Tool presents a valuable resource for legal practitioners, judges, and professionals working with children involved in court cases. By reducing stress and increasing knowledge, this tool has the potential to significantly impact the way children’s testimonies are received and understood in the courtroom.
The recognition and success of the KiCPsy-Tool on an international platform emphasize the need for innovative approaches to support and protect child victims and witnesses in the legal system. As this tool continues to be refined and implemented, it holds promise for promoting a more child-centered and empathetic approach within court proceedings.
The Council of Europe’s Crystal Scales of Justice Prize serves as a reminder of the importance of creating supportive and child-friendly environments within the legal system. The KiCPsy-Tool exemplifies the positive impact that innovative solutions can have on empowering children, ensuring their rights are safeguarded, and facilitating a fair and just judicial process.
By honoring this groundbreaking psychoeducational tool, the Council of Europe encourages further research and development in the field of child protection, highlighting the crucial role of multidisciplinary collaboration in bringing about positive change for young people involved in the legal system.
As the field of child protection continues to evolve, it is imperative to prioritize the well-being and rights of child victims and witnesses. With initiatives like the KiCPsy-Tool leading the way, we move closer to achieving a judicial system that truly serves the needs of all children, helping them find their voice and receive the justice they deserve.
