"The ambition of the Bairns' Hoose is transformational change for children, young people and their families"
— Prof John Devaney
Evaluating Scotland's approach to Bairns' Hoose
The support of families and protection of vulnerable children is at the core of policy making and a vision for service provision in Scotland. As part of a suite of approaches to improve children’s lives, and to help children recover from adversity, there has been a long-held aspiration to bring the Nordic Barnahus model to Scotland. The Barnahus model is a child centred and trauma informed transformational, whole-system approach to delivering child protection, justice, health and recovery services to child victims and witnesses of violence
and abuse.
The Four Rooms
Child Protection
The starting point for most children entering the Bairns' Hoose. This is where child protection concerns are assessed and investigated through a coordinated, multi-agency approach, with police and social work conducting joint investigative interviews using the Scottish Child Interview Model in a trauma-informed setting designed for children, not institutions.
Justice
Children who are victims or witnesses of crime often face a justice process that was designed around adult needs. The Bairns' Hoose provides facilities for children to give evidence — including via live link — in a safe, supported environment, aiming to reduce the distress and potential retraumatisation of traditional court settings.
Recovery
For many children, the most significant element of the model. Recovery support is relationally driven and individually tailored, combining therapeutic work with advocacy to help children and families navigate the wider system. It begins at the point of disclosure and continues through what can be a lengthy justice process and beyond.
Health
Ensuring that children receive timely medical assessment and access to physical and mental health services as part of a coordinated response, rather than being referred separately into NHS pathways that may involve further waiting, further strangers, and further retelling of their story.