After meeting with the Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise, Children 1st is calling on the government to deliver a model of support for victims and witnesses.
On Friday 10th May 2024, Natalie Don MSP, the Scottish Children’s Minister, paid a visit to Children 1st – Scotland’s national children’s charity – where she was taken on a tour of Bairns Hoose in North Srathclyde, an establishment the charity opened in 2023 to help child victims and witnesses of violence get all the support they deserve under one roof.
The development was created in partnership with Victim Support Scotland, the University of Edinburgh and Children England. It is based on the international Barnahus model, which was first developed in Iceland, and so far, has supported 263 children.
Following the visit, the leading children’s charity are now calling on authorities to deliver a world-leading model of support for young people in a similar situation.
Arguably, the meeting couldn’t have come at a better time, as research from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed children that have been exposed to violence are substantially more likely to adopt anti-social behaviours such as alcohol misuse and smoking. They are also at higher risk of developing mental health conditions such an anxiety depression and in the worst case, could consider taking their own lives.
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children 1st, said: ‘We are delighted to explore the opportunity for Scotland to deliver a world-leading model of support for child victims and witnesses through Bairns Hoose with the minister.
‘The development of Scotland’s first Bairns Hoose has been informed by the voices of thousands of children that Children 1st has supported over many years to recover from the impact of abuse and from the extra trauma that the justice system creates.’
‘As the Scottish Government rolls out this approach it must remain true to the guiding principles of Bairns Hoose,’ Mary added. ‘More investment and transformational change is necessary, and Bairns Hoose cannot simply be delivered through minor adaptations to the current system. We know this is only a first step in a long journey, and we are committed to making sure this goes all the way.’
In addition, Natalie Don, remarked she was moved after her visit to Bairns Hoose and is hopeful the government will follow in the charities loving footsteps to help children in need.
‘I look forward to seeing how we can expand on the excellent work already being done in North Strathclyde as we test out the Bairns’ Hoose Standards in different areas and I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with North Strathclyde to support the Wee Hoose,’ Natalie said. ‘I am committed to ensuring that Bairns’ Hoose happens wherever the child is, taking the services to the child finding creative solutions to deliver the best support for children and young people.’
Image: Johann Walter Bantz
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