Joint Order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, Office of the Prosecutor General, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, and Ministry of Health of Ukraine № 2218/5/180/523/352-H/1306 “On Approval of the Procedure for Implementing a Pilot Project on the Establishment of Child Protection Centers (Based on the Barnahus Model)

Order No. 2218/5/180/523/352-Н/1306, dated July 26, 2024, stipulates the approval of the Procedure for implementing a pilot project to establish Child Protection Centers based on the Barnahus model in Ukraine. This initiative, developed on the basis of the Scandinavian model, aims to provide comprehensive support to children who are victims or witnesses in criminal cases. The Barnahus model involves the creation of multidisciplinary centers that unite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, social services, psychologists, and medical professionals to protect the interests of children and provide them with necessary support in a maximally secure environment.

The adoption of this order occurred within the framework of implementing the provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On the Prosecutor’s Office.” The order was adopted in accordance with a series of Cabinet of Ministers’ decrees aimed at preventing and combating domestic violence, as well as gender-based violence, and protecting the rights of victims. This issue has gained particular relevance in the context of the large-scale invasion by the Russian Federation, wherein many children have become witnesses or victims of alleged war crimes. The National Plan of Preventive Measures, approved in 2024, served as a foundation for implementing this model, which is expected to significantly improve the protection of children’s rights and minimize the traumatic impact of investigative and judicial processes on them.

The Office of the Prosecutor General, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Social Policy, and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine are responsible for organizing and effectively implementing the pilot project. Annually, by February 15, these institutions are obliged to submit reports on the progress of the project to the Interdepartmental Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice, which will allow for monitoring the execution and effectiveness of the project.