Independent report backs approach to better protect child victims

Social work experts at the University of Edinburgh have praised the Bairns’ Hoose initiative, which seeks to improve delivery of essential services to child victims and witnesses.

Researchers have been tracking a project designed to streamline how each child’s need for safety, recovery and justice is met – without adding to their trauma.

The initiative’s multi-disciplinary, inter-agency approach is provided in a child-friendly space. It brings legal, health and social work services under one roof to support children who are victims and witnesses of crime.

The North Strathclyde Bairns’ Hoose project – led by the charity Children 1st - 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.

It includes spaces for children to give interviews to the police and social work, to give evidence in court and to get recovery support.

Data was gathered from children, families and professionals in the first seven months following the launch of the Bairns’ Hoose in August 2023.

Evaluation of the data has found that the facility is already deeply valued by children, parents, professionals and the wider support system.

The Bairns’ Hoose not only aims to reduce trauma for victims and witnesses, but also foster stronger relationships between professionals.

Its recovery model is giving children and families a sense of being supported and cared for, researchers say. It is also reducing feelings of insecurity, uncertainty and worry.

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.

The report states: “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.”

Further conversations with partners are needed to make sure services are further centred on children’s needs, the report concludes.

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 today (Wednesday 18 September) – was completed by researchers in the University of Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Science.

“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,” Lead author Dr Mary Mitchell said.

“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.”

The Child Safety, Justice and Recovery Research Group is a partner in the project but carrying out independent evaluation of the project.

North Strathclyde Bairns’ Hoose project is led by the charity Children 1st and was funded by proceeds from the 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.

“It’s vital we continue to listen to children’s voices. Lots of progress has been made but we do not yet have systems that fully put children’s needs at the centre. Children 1st won’t stop campaigning for change until every child gets the protection, support and justice they need.”

The report builds on previous research by the University of Edinburgh that sought to find better ways to support children and families affected by violence and abuse.

It highlighted key areas of concern that were identified by a range of professionals working in the field. These included a lack of access to timely and appropriate recovery or therapeutic support and extended delays and adjournments to the justice process.

Professionals also raised concerns about children having to take part in court proceedings that are ‘significantly distressing and potentially re-traumatising’.

The Scottish Government’s Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes, congratulated the North Strathclyde partnership on their progress so far and thanked the University for its ‘valuable’ report.

"The Bairns' Hoose programme represents a transformational approach to supporting children who have experienced violence or abuse,” said Ms Don-Innes.

“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.

“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."