The guiding principle of the Barnahus project is to highlight the best interests of the child. The project aims to increase child-friendliness in services for children who have experienced violence. We want also to develop encounters and facilities in accordance with Barnahus quality standards.
The goal of the Barnahus project is to improve the availability and quality of support and care for children who have experienced violence. The project develops multidisciplinary cooperation with the aim of harmonizing practices across Finland.
Objectives
- Coordination and content development of support and care needed by children and families affected by violence.
- Ensuring child-friendly encounters and facilities for all children heard in a legal context.
- Strengthening multidisciplinary cooperation (police, prosecutors, forensic psychology units, child protection, somatic and psychiatric healthcare, schools, early childhood education, maternity and child health clinics) and implementing models.
- Reducing delays from police report to court verdict through inter-agency collaboration.
- Building free, evidence-based online training accessible to all professionals dealing with suspected violence against children.
Implementation
The project is implemented locally, regionally, and nationally. In addition, we actively participate in international activities. Regional projects operate as independent entities aligned with national development goals. During 2026, the focus will be on embedding the practices.
Funding
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (MSAH) 100 %
Partners
The Barnahus project involves the National Police Board, the Prosecution Service, and wellbeing services counties across Finland. Projects in wellbeing services counties that maintain university hospitals act as drivers within their cooperation areas.
Contact details
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