Development of the preventive function of the police in the field of ensuring children’s rights during martial law

The scientific article is devoted to the study of current challenges and prospects for the development of the preventive function of the Ukrainian police in the conditions of full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The article emphasizes that the preventive function of the police in war conditions acquires new substantive and organizational forms, requiring not only a response to offenses, but also the implementation of preventive measures. The author analyzes the theoretical and legal principles of the preventive function of the police in relation to children, which are based on a combination of national legislation and international legal acts. Special attention is paid to such key principles of international legal acts as the priority of the best interests of the child, non-discrimination, the right to life, survival and development, the right to participation, the responsibility of the state and society, a preventive approach, rehabilitation and reintegration, protection from violence and exploitation, the specifics of juvenile justice and international cooperation. The study identifies the main threats to children’s rights that arise in the context of armed conflict: threats to life and health, separation from family and loss of custody, illegal deportation and forced displacement, violence and exploitation, violations of the right to education, psychological trauma and social isolation, as well as restrictions on access to humanitarian assistance. A significant part of the article is devoted to the study of mechanisms for interagency interaction in preventing crimes against children. An innovative model of a comprehensive approach «Child at the Center» is proposed, which is based on the principles of child-centeredness, intersectoralism, prevention instead of reaction, and the creation of a safe space for the child. This model includes a single point of coordination, an early risk identification system, individual support plans, joint preventive measures, educational and information campaigns, and a data collection system for assessing effectiveness. Finally, the author identifies promising areas for the development of the preventive function of the police, including institutional and personnel strengthening (formation of specialized juvenile prevention units, advanced training of police officers), increased interagency interaction, and the use of modern technologies (digital platforms, mobile applications, video surveillance).