Council to adapt existing building into ‘Bairns’ Hoose’ for multi-agency support
A COUNCIL-owned building in Lerwick is set to be adapted into a ‘Bairns’ Hoose’ to provide a “safe environment for multi-agency support” for children and young people who have suffered harm.
Bairns’ Hoose is a national scheme run by the Scottish Government, with the anticipated cost of refurbishing the building – £150,000 – set to be covered by external funding.
A report which went to councillors last month said the Bairns’ Hoose model is Scotland’s adaptation of the Barnahus approach, providing a “coordinated, trauma-informed and child-centred response for children and young people who have experienced harm”.
It brings together key services, including social work, police, health and third sector partners, within a “single, safe environment to improve children’s experiences and outcomes”.
One goal is to offer a child-friendly setting for joint investigative interviews, health assessments and recovery support.
This should prevent victims from being subjected to repeated interviews in different settings.
At a full council meeting a few weeks ago elected members approved the recommended option to adapt the building for use as a dedicated Bairns’ Hoose facility.
The report said this option could be delivered within a realistic timeframe, in line with the funding requirements.
A condition of the funding is for the project to be complete by March 2027.
The business case for the project said a self-assessment highlighted gaps in the current Shetland system, with children and families too often required to navigate multiple locations and services, whilst having to repeat their story.
This was put down to geographic isolation, small community dynamics and reliance on non-specialist environments.
“These factors increase the risk of re-traumatisation and negatively impact wellbeing and engagement,” the business case said.
“The proposed architectural and construction works directly address these issues by providing a dedicated, appropriately designed physical environment that enables integrated, trauma-informed practice to be delivered locally.”
Children’s social work manager Jordan Sutherland at an earlier meeting said there would be no additional revenue implications as the facility is already within the SIC’s children’s services portfolio, with existing staff undertaking the work.
At the same meeting Shetland Central councillor Moraig Lyall asked about ensuring privacy for people using the facility.
Sutherland said the council feels the entrance can be adapted to ensure there is privacy, while part of the work is to improve soundproofing.
He added that there would be a hope to capture “best evidence” from a first joint investigate interview to reduce the likelihood of a child needing to then provide evidence in a court setting.
“If they do have to provide evidence in a court setting, we can do that via link from the Bairns’ Hoose, so we provide support in a trauma-informed way.”
Sutherland said there is also an intention to provide therapeutic recovery support from the Bairns’ Hoose too.
Education and families committee chairman Davie Sandison said the Bairns’ Hoose concept should help to reduce the likelihood of additional trauma.
He also said it was another positive that the council would be adapting an existing asset which is “under-utilised”.
“I’m glad to see Scottish Government putting the money where their mouth is in terms of supporting these policies,” Sandison added.
“There’s an awful lot of things here that are extremely positive.”
He also said he hoped the SIC will manage to achieve privacy for those using the facility.
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