Interviewing in a friendly space: how ‘green room’ methodology for children is used in pre-trial detention centres

Ukraine is expanding its network of “green rooms” within the penitentiary system, the press service of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine reported. This is a specially equipped space where minors are interviewed or interrogated in a safe and comfortable environment. Such rooms already exist in six penitentiary institutions.

A green room in the Kharkiv pre-trial detention centre. Photo credit: Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice

European standards for the protection of children’s rights and interests envisage the implementation of child-friendly justice. One of the elements of this approach is the “green room” method. The main goal of such an equipped space is to reduce the child’s stress and anxiety, prevent re-traumatisation and ensure compliance with the child’s rights and interests during procedural actions.

The interior of a “green room” features comfortable, soft furniture, games, pencils and colouring books. The room is equipped with video surveillance. A psychologist works with the child. Investigators, prosecutors or other interested parties are in a separate room at this time and observe the broadcast from video cameras or through a one-way mirror.

“Green rooms” have already been set up in the following institutions of the State Criminal Executive Service of Ukraine:

• the Kyiv pre-trial detention centre;
• the Kharkiv pre-trial detention centre;
• the Kropyvnytskyi pre-trial detention centre;
• the Vinnytsia Penal Institution No. 1;
• the Zhytomyr Penal Institution No. 8;
• the Poltava Penal Institution No. 23.

“Green rooms” in penal institutions and pre-trial detention centres are also used for psychological work, individual and group sessions, and psycho-correctional and preventive measures.

On 14 July 2026, the Ukrainian government approved the national strategy for the protection of children’s rights in the justice system until 2028, which is intended to align the national child justice system with international standards.

ZMINA earlier reported in Ukrainian that every child has the right to express their opinion in a judicial process that directly concerns them. The judge must listen to a child regardless of their age.

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