Barnahus - promoting justice and care for children in Europe

www.childrenatrisk.eu/promise/publications

PROMISE: Supporting the Barnahus model The Barnahus team coordinates interagency collaboration CHIILD PROTECTON – SOCIAL WELFARE NB: Based on Icelandic model, not necessarily representative of other established MD/IA services Re-traumatization can be avoided as the needs of the child is at the center. The Barnahus model offers the child victim/witness of violence a child-friendly, safe and professional environment to disclose – which is fundamental to the criminal investigation, the judicial process and the follow up of the child. Interview is recorded and used as evidence in court. Relevant disciplines and agencies are gathered under one roof, providing a multidisciplinary, including medical examination, mental health examination and treatment, response to each child. The model is integrated into the national social welfare, health, and/or justice systems in most countries.

The promise vision www.childrenatrisk.eu/promise/vision 1. RESPECT FOR THE PARTICIPATORY RIGHTS OF THE CHILD 2. MULTI-DISCIPLINARY AND INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION 3. COMPREHENSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE SERVICES 4. ENSURING HIGH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, TRAINING AND SUFFICIENT RESOURCES

PROMISE 1: Achievements 2015 -2017 The Children’s Advocacy Centres in the US inspired Iceland to develop Barnahus as an integral part of the child welfare and justice systems The PROMISE project builds on these achievements and the continuous efforts of the pioneers from Iceland and other Barnahus to support new initiatives The PROMISE 1 project supported professionals/officials in more than 11 countries/cities to establish Barnahus similar institutions offered study visits, clarifications, networking, capacity building generated a lot of interest in Europe and globally developed standards and other relevant background material Established a website and newsletter connecting professionals and policy-makers

Promise 2: creating progress and action Objectives: Tailor-made training for Barnahus staff including judicial sector workshops Inter-agency commitment, including from the judicial sector. Webinars and chats – newsletter – improved communication tools Knowledge/skills on the Barnahus functions Developing methodology to get children’s reflections and perspectives Round tables and dialogue developing national and regional roadmaps, Facilitate use of PROMISE standards and tacking tool Drawing up national Frameworks and Agreements

From 0 to Barnahus – A webinar series Watch past webinars www.childrenatrisk.eu/promise/webinars 20 years of Barnahus – Featuring Bragi Gudbrandsson Adapting the Barnahus concept to local realities Working together in the best interests of the child: discussions on the formal agreements and the daily work of multidisciplinary interagency cooperation Putting the child at the centre: discussions on ensuring an inclusive and child-friendly setup Law as one enabling factor for the Barnahus Sign up to the PROMISE Newsletter to learn about upcoming webinars bit.ly/PROMISENewsletter 20 September –11 October – Courthouse dogs support children to tell their stories 18 October – Medical evaluation - A deeper look into Barnahus Quality Standard 7

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