Parties commit to Barnahus model ahead of Scottish Parliament election

Date: 8th April 2021
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

---

Both Scottish Liberal Democrats and Scottish National Party have shared commitments in campaign speeches to adopt a form of the ‘Barnahus’ model to Scotland’s own justice system.

Used in some Scandinavian countries, the Barnhaus model is a child-centred response for children who are victims or witnesses of serious crime and abuse. A key principle is that children should only be asked to give evidence once within a therapeutic environment. The model is internationally recognised as the best way to protect children’s rights to justice and recovery.

Together has made calls for Scotland to implement this approach and Children 1^st continues to advocate for this model. Children 1^st is in the process of setting up a pilot project in East Renfrewshire called the Centre of Excellence. 

• Read Together’s calls to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child here and here.
• Read more about the Banahus pilot project by Children 1^st