Scotland's first Bairns Hoose provides life-changing support to over 270 child victims and witnesses and their families in its first year

In total 169 children and 109 members of their family have received life-changing support from the charity Children First through its internationally renowned Bairns Hoose since it opened a year ago.

With the University of Edinburgh, Victim Support Scotland and local partners, Children First is testing, developing, and sharing learning about how to transform justice, care, protection and recovery support for child victims and witnesses.

Based on the international Barnahus model, the Children First North Strathclyde Bairns Hoose is a trauma-informed, child-friendly space where children can get all their needs met under one roof. It is the first of its kind in Scotland and was only made possible thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Earlier this month, the Children First Bairns Hoose celebrated a special milestone when a child gave evidence from the Bairns Hoose to court via a live link for the first time.

At the Bairns Hoose the Children First recovery team works alongside local partners to deliver all the support that children need from the moment they disclose they have been harmed.

Almost 50% percent of the children supported by the Bairns Hoose had experienced sexual abuse, 33% had experienced domestic abuse and 32% had experienced physical abuse. 

Skyla*, a young person who has received support from the Bairns Hoose said:

“Bairns Hoose makes us feel like we are normal people and that we can get through what we’ve been through. There is more to Bairns Hoose, they help our families out, they make us feel like we could be anything, we could be superheroes if we want to be that.”

She added: “Things need to change because the court system is an environment that puts kids in a serious situation that causes trauma. The whole system needs to change.”

Harper* another young person said: “Bairns Hoose feels safe and is much more comfortable than being in scary buildings.

“My Children First Recovery Worker supports me through all the court process and helps me be heard and share my views with court people. I haven’t been able to share as much with any professionals before.”

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive, Children First said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the first birthday of Scotland’s first Bairns Hoose alongside our local, national, and international partners. It is only thanks to their dedicated commitment and sheer hard work that we have been able to help so many children and young people and their families recover from the worst things imaginable, including sexual and physical abuse and domestic violence.

“Transforming long-established systems, including a court system which dates from the Victorian era, isn’t easy, but to uphold children’s human rights it must be done. With the ongoing help of partners, funders, and supporters we are determined to continue testing, developing, and sharing learning from our Bairns Hoose until the day that every child can get justice without going to court and can receive all the support they need to recover from trauma and abuse.”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Being a victim or witness of crime is something that no child should have to go through. 

“But when it happens, Bairns Hoose is there to ensure no further trauma or harm comes to children as they experience the child protection and justice process. Having a safe space where they are supported is crucial to making sure they are able to heal and recover. 

"And I am delighted funding raised by Postcode Lottery players has helped more than 270 children and members of their family in Scotland so far.”

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: "Victim Support Scotland is proud to be a key partner in such an important initiative as Bairns Hoose. Our focus is on supporting victims of crime and helping them to give their best evidence is a key part of that. Children who have been impacted by crime are particularly vulnerable, and so we have welcomed seeing Bairns Hoose evolve as a beacon of best practice in this area.

"We are proud to have been a part of the first year of Bairns Hoose and look forward to seeing how it develops and grows to provide more children with life-changing support."

Kate Rocks, Chief Officer of Health and Social Care at Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership said: “It is fantastic to reflect on the positive impact the Bairns Hoose has made to children and families affected by trauma and abuse in North Strathclyde this past year.

“Joint leadership with the third sector has been crucial to this success, and it shows how transformative it can be when partners come together with a strong commitment to a shared vision. We are proud to be part of this collaborative and transformative approach that ensures children’s needs and best interests are at the centre of all decisions made about their safety.”

The Children First North Strathclyde Bairns Hoose has attracted world-wide recognition as a leading example of the Barnahus approach. In its first year alone, the Bairns Hoose has welcomed over 100 national and international leaders in their fields including from Australia, Japan, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.

In October 2023, the Scottish Government announced funding to support six Pathfinder Bairns Hoose sites to support the roll out across Scotland, including the Children First North Strathclyde Bairns Hoose. Children First is also working with local partners to develop Bairns Hoose in new areas of Scotland.