Bairns Hoose project for those affected by abuse and violence praised by experts

An approach to supporting children and families affected by violence and abuse that aims to find how each person’s need for safety, recovery and justice is met has been welcomed by experts.

The North Strathclyde Bairns Hoose (NSBH) project, led by Children 1st, was recognised by social work professionals at the University of Edinburgh for its method of ensuring each child’s need is met without further adding to their trauma.

The NSBH’s approach to this includes safe spaces for children to give interviews to police and social work to give evidence in court and to get recovery support.

It comes after data was gathered for seven months from children, their families and professionals when the Bairns Hoose project launched in August 2023, finding that the facility is valued by those whom it concerns.

It aims to reduce trauma for victims, witnesses, and also aims to strengthen relationships between professionals.

The data says its recovery is giving children and families a sense of support, reducing feelings of insecurity, uncertainty and worry.

It also brings legal, health and social work services under one roof to support children who are victims and witnesses of crime.

It is modelled on the Barnahus approach – which means children’s house in Icelandic.

It is an internationally recognised, evidence-based model for children and families affected by violence and abuse.

The facility is providing support for children and their families in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.

One 16-year-old who was interviewed said: “This is like a wee safe spot – I know nothing bad will ever happen in here, to anybody.

“It’s a space where you feel more relaxed. It’s not filled with strangers and it’s quiet – so that helps too.”

Significant lessons have been learned that will help other areas in Scotland that are currently working to develop their own Bairns Hoose, the research team says.

These include the importance of strong partnership working between agencies, built upon common values, shared vision and clear governance.

A report from the social care experts at Edinburgh University said: “Although there has been important progress in a short time, not all partners have been able to commit to the same degree or at the same pace.

“This has been challenging but has not prevented progress.”

It recommends further dialogue with the Crown Office, Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service, local authority education and social work, and NHS services.

The evaluation report – launched on Wednesday – was completed by researchers in the University of Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Science.

Lead author Dr Mary Mitchell said: “There is clear evidence that the design and development of the Bairns Hoose is centred on children and their families’ needs and is conducive to their feeling safe and supported after abuse.

“If those benefits can be maintained and extended, the Bairns Hoose can be a catalyst for the wider  systemic change that’s needed for children who are victims of violence.”

North Strathclyde Bairns Hoose project is led by the charity Children 1st and was made possible with the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children 1st, said: “Testing new approaches and applying learning is a crucial part of what we do at Children 1st and we welcome the findings of the University of Edinburgh’s report.

“We intend to use these to continue our work with children, their families and all our partners in North Strathclyde to improve the care, protection and justice systems for all young people in Scotland.

“We are proud of the progress made, the strengthening of multi-agency working and especially the life-changing support offered to children in the aftermath of violence and abuse.

“In the report, children tell us what it means to have somewhere safe to get the help they need to recover. But they also remind us that there is still more work to be done to improve their experiences at court to reduce the trauma and harm of long delays.”

Natalie Don-Innes, Scotland’s children’s minister, said: “The Bairns Hoose programme represents a transformational approach to supporting children who have experienced violence or abuse.

“It is an ambitious programme, one that challenges us to think differently about how we work together to protect and support children and young people.

“I want to congratulate the North Strathclyde partnership on their progress so far and thank Edinburgh University for this valuable report.

“It will add to the rich learning being gathered from the Pathfinder phase of the programme as we look to ensure that any child in Scotland who has been a victim of, or witness to, abuse or harm has access to a Bairns Hoose.”

The Bairns Hoose report can be found at: www.sps.ed.ac.uk/research/research-project/bairns-hoose-barnahus-evaluation-scotland.