On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, in the framework of the EU-funded project “Advocacy for Child and Youth Protection”, a public lecture on the theme: “Listen to child – modern approaches based on the scientific findings” was held at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University (BSU).

For decades, it was believed that information provided by the child is less reliable and their testimony for the law enforcers was regarded as “weak evidence”. However, according modern scientific researches, this approach has changed dramatically. It is proved that the validity of information provided by child does not that much depend on child’s age, but rather on the professionalism of interviewer, how skilled they are, how can they dispose child for talk, give child possibility for free narrative, listen to child carefully, ask accurately formulated questions. Besides, child’s age specific development features have to be taken into consideration. What also matters is that all professionals must poses relevant knowledge and skills on employing widely recognized modern approaches.

The lecture was delivered by – Ekaterine (Keti) Tavartkiladze – child psychologists at the Public Health Foundation of Georgia, expert in child protection, expert-consultant in Juvenile Justice. Child professionals (teachers, district police officers, psychologist and social workers from the Social Service Agency, peadiatricians, lawyers) and students from the psychology and law departments attended the lecture. The lecture was concluded with an interesting discussion. The audience expressed their wish to attend as often as possible such format lectures that are dedicated to the acute problems concerning child and youth. BSU, on its part ensure to support the provision and organization of the lectures.

The public lecturewas being held in the framework of the EU-funded project “Advocacy for Child and Youth Protection” and was linked to May 17 – International Child Helpline Day. Child Helpline with number 116 111 is operational in Georgia. The service offers support to children, youth, parents, professionals, any individual who wants to share child related problems.

The project “Advocacy for Child and Youth Protection” is implemented by the Public Health Foundation of Georgia. Rehabilitation and Development Charity Centre Tanaziari, “Step Forward” and International Child Catholic Bureau (BICE) are project co-applicants, while Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University and Child Helpline International perform as project Associate partners.

Event organizers: Public Health Foundation of Georgia, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University and “Step Forward”.