Transforming child protection and justice systems: implementing the Barnahus (Bairns' Hoose) model in Scotland with a focus on space and forensic interviewing

After abuse is identified, children often navigate complex systems that can be confusing and challenging, potentially causing additional harm. The Barnahus model offers a multidisciplinary approach designed to minimise systemic harm and support children's recovery and justice. Scotland is adopting the Barnahus model, known locally as ‘Bairns’ Hoose. This paper considers how two core elements of the Barnahus model (the child friendly space and the forensic interviews) interact to support improved responses to children. Data were collected pertaining to experiences of children and young people (n = 9) who had undertaken a joint investigative interview with specially trained police officers and social workers as a response to an experience of abuse; nonabusing family members (n = 8); professionals (n = 29) who were involved in the Bairns' Hoose operationally and strategically. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with children and family members as well as interviews, focus groups and sense making activities with multidisciplinary professionals. A thematic analysis was conducted of the data. The research identified the child-friendly space communicates a sense of safety, comfort and calm to children and their families, supporting them to feel respected and able to more easily engage with professionals. The physical space can also act as a catalyst for deepening professional engagement in trauma sensitive practice and multidisciplinary working. Consequently, the needs of children become more visible within the system. Meaningful systems change requires more than just a better physical space, yet this knowledge helps us begin understand what child friendly justice and recovery might begin to look like in practice.