On August 11, the application process for the competition to select psychologists who can be involved in criminal proceedings involving children through the BPD system begins. Applications will be accepted until August 22. About this messageive Coordination Center for Legal Aid.
The goal of the project is to protect the rights of the child, ensure their best interests, and prevent re-traumatization and victimization during criminal proceedings.
What do psychologists do in the project?
Psychologists who pass the selection will be included in a special Register. After that, they can be involved in investigative (search) and procedural actions with the participation of children during pre-trial investigation and trial.
Psychologists help prepare the child for procedural actions, create a safe environment for them while participating in procedural actions, in particular:
- take into account her age and developmental characteristics;
- ask the child clear and non-traumatic questions;
- If necessary, they oppose questions from other people that could traumatize the child.
Who can participate in the competition?
Specialists with higher education in specialty 053 "Psychology" (bachelor's, master's degree).
Territory of involvement
From September 1, 2024 - throughout the territory of Ukraine, which is under the jurisdiction of the state authorities of Ukraine. When applying for the competition, psychologists indicate the region in which they wish to work. You can choose several regions.
Payment for services
Within the framework of the pilot project, payment will be made using international technical assistance funds (UNICEF).
How to participate in the competition
- from August 11 to 22, submit an application for participation and other documents via the form: https://legalaid.gov.ua/contest-psychologist/ The organizers urge you not to postpone submitting documents until the last day!
- Complete online training from August 28 to September 3. The link to the training and login details (login and password) will be sent to the psychologist's email address specified in the application for participation in the competition.
- September 12-22, undergo an individual interview regarding motivation for participation in the project.
The results of the competition will be published by October 7, 2025 on the websites BPD provision systems and Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.
From August 29 to September 3, 2025, take online training
From September 12 to 22, 2025, undergo an individual interview regarding motivation for participation in the project
The results of the competition will be published by October 7, 2025 on the websites of the BPD provision system and the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.
How does a psychologist get involved?
- A psychologist, after being included in the Register, enters into a contract for the provision of services
- An investigator, investigator, prosecutor, investigating judge or court submits a request to the BPD provision system;
- The BPD provision system determines the candidacy of the psychologist;
- The psychologist participates in investigative (search) actions and procedural actions;
- Prepares a report, a service provision certificate and submits them to the BPD provision system.
How it works in practice: the experience of psychologists who have already participated
Why is this project needed and what is its importance?
The psychologists interviewed note that they are a kind of translator between the investigator and the child. They help establish contact and explain the essence of the processes in a language accessible to the child. This helps improve communication and reduce the risks of traumatizing the child.
How the call works
Representatives of the center for providing BPD inform about the psychologist's request. They inform about the time, place and address of the investigative action. If the specialist has the opportunity to participate, the center issues an appropriate order, which indicates the data about the initiator of the investigative action and the child.
What are the difficulties?
Among the difficulties, experts mention adaptation to new requirements and the need to make important decisions in rapidly changing situations, in particular during investigative actions with a high level of stress for participants, such as a search or inspection of the scene. Working with children who have experienced traumatic events requires a delicate and professional approach.
What useful things did they learn for themselves and do they advise their colleagues to join?
Psychologists advise colleagues who are ready to protect the interests of children and seek professional growth to join the project. They note that the project provides practical experience in working with children, develops professional skills, and deepens understanding of the protection of children's rights.
For reference.
Official announcement of the competition
Details about the results of the pilot project in 7 regions and Kyiv.