Bairns’ Hoose standards

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Document Type

Standards

Summary

Since 2018, we’ve worked jointly with the Care Inspectorate to develop standards for Bairns’ Hoose. 

Bairns’ Hoose is a model that Scotland is testing to provide holistic support to children who: 

  • have been victims or witnesses of abuse 
  • are under the age of criminal responsibility  
  • whose behaviour may have caused harm 

This is based on the European “Barnahus” (child house) model. 

The Bairns’ Hoose model brings together in one setting: 

  • child protection 
  • health 
  • recovery support/whole family support justice  

Overview of standards 

Standard 1: Key principles 

My rights are upheld and these standards are for me. My best interests are always acted on, I am listened to and my views are taken seriously.

Standard 2: Collaborative leadership and governance 

Everyone who is professionally responsible for protecting children across Scotland works together to ensure Bairns’ Hoose helps me and other children.

Standard 3: Inclusive access 

Bairns’ Hoose includes me and my family.

Standard 4: Design and environment 

The Bairns’ Hoose feels cosy, comfortable, relaxed and well-kept.

Standard 5: Planning for children 

The people who help me work well as a team to make sure I have the right support when I need it and things are explained to me in a way that I can understand.

Standard 6: Interviews in the Bairns’ Hoose

I will be supported during any interview. My interview will be recorded and used so I don’t have to repeat myself as much.

Standard 7: Support through the court and legal process 

If I need to give evidence in a court or legal process, someone explains what is happening and I am supported through this. There is an option to live link to court from the Bairns’ Hoose.

Standard 8: Health and wellbeing 

My physical, emotional and mental health is looked after. Someone helps to plan appointments and I’m supported to attend.

Standard 9: Therapeutic recovery services 

If me or my family need help we can speak with someone who understands what we are going through. I get the help and support I need to recover.

Standard 10: Multidisciplinary staff training and support 

The people who help me at the Bairns’ Hoose work as a team. They get the help they need to do their jobs well.

Standard 11: Prevention, sharing knowledge and learning from good practice 

People at the Bairns’ Hoose listen to what I have to say about my experience. What I tell them helps to make the Bairns’ Hoose better for other children.

These standards would not have been possible without the children and young people that have worked with us from the start. We would like to thank them for their time and support. 

Next steps

Bairns’ Hoose Pathfinders will: 

  • test the Bairns’ Hoose Standards to identify how they can be applied in practice 
  • represent a range of geographical areas and multiagency contexts 
  • identify the tools and support needed to help transformational change 
  • identify and share learning for a national model