MONITORING METHODOLOGY The Guidelines could, for example, include the following elements: ʺʺ Basic principles for conducting an interview with children in the framework of a monitoring visit See – Section 3.4. – p.37; ʺʺ Inclusion and exclusion criteria to the child participation to an interview or a focus group See – Section 4.3. / D. – p.73; ʺʺ Key elements for preparing-conducting-concluding an interview with children (preliminary contacts, introduction to the interview, informed consent, presence of third person, monitors’ behavior, attitudes and perceptions, etc.); ʺʺ Issues / common problems that need to be considered before- during- after an interview with children. The Guidelines address all of these concerns in order to mark out the interviews with children in such way that they are performed in the safest and most respectful way, in consideration of the children. Child Protection Policy In addition to these Guidelines, the monitoring team must develop a child protection policy so that they can react immediately when facing a case of child rights abuse or a risk of retaliation while performing the monitoring visit and contribute to create a safe environment for children deprived of their liberty. The Child Protection Policy could define all the circumstances that the monitors may be confronted with and address all the situations with a pre-defined and agreed response and reaction. For example, if a child is complaining about or making an allegation of abuse, the case can be referred to designated children’s services and in case of emergency, to the police, the prosecutor or to request the immediate intervention of a health professional. It can also be specified that in case of risk of retaliation against a child who has reported an abuse or a violation of his/her rights, to request special arrangements (for instance) to transfer him/her to another place or to ask for special surveillance in order to protect him/her from adverse treatment from peers or other staff members. A follow-up visit should be organised within a pre-specified period in the policy. The transfer or the suspension of the staff member suspected of the abuse may also be considered as a measure of protection in order not to disrupt the child in regards to school or other services. 57 4