Progress and next steps

1. Progress and next steps By Turid Heiberg PROMISE project coordinator

2. Magic team! • Results are impressive • Lithuania and Hungary opened services • Cyprus, England, Estonia, Germany, Latvia and Malta soon to launch operations • Bulgaria, Romania and Scotland firm initiatives • Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain and Greece –on their way • Promoters; UN, UN CRC Committee, Council of Europe, EU and other regions

3. Barnahus movement • 2015 developed the ”Vision paper” and a common understanding • More than a project – creating a Barnahus movement in Europe/globally • Mentored by Barnahus experts and existing Barnahus and child-friendly centres • Organisers and partners having substantial background being passionate Barnahus advocates • Motivated by positice feedback from children, caregivers and services

4. From Zagreb to Reykjavik • February, 2016, representatives from pilot countries and partners first meeting in Zagreb • Truly inspirational and remarkable meeting – finally, professionals speaking with likeminded and study details re children’s access to justice • June, Reykjavik, testing the gound – the many (side) ways, approaches and innovations used to strengthen MD/IA cooperation and establish Barnahus/child-friendly centres • More efficiently promoting the best interest of children

5. Linköping: symbolic and important • Linköping second place in Europe to establish Barnahus • Modelling the evolvement of many more Barnahus in Sweden – 33 • Propelling the development of Banahus in many more countries in Europe • Celebrating the good progress in developing supportive tools and material; • Legal and quality standards, internal control and monitoring, success factors and advocacy material

6. Challenges - definition • Barnahus, child advocacy centres and child-friendly centres have many commonalities; • Prevent re-traumatisation, the childs story in the centre, child-friendly evironment, multiple sectors under one roof, limited interviews, streamlined care and support services • Differences; Nordic model part of the welfare and judicial system. The forensic interview recorded and used in court as valid evidence. The child is not appearing in court and due process is upheld.

7. Definitions.. • Child advocacy centres/child friendly centres provide multi-disciplinary services and may coordinate with police and prosecution – child appear in court • What is best? Both models have advantages; • Nordic model – legitim and authorised part of the system. Risk of more attention to legal/criminal justice criteria than ensuring immidiate care? • Child-friendly centres have more freedom to offer a multitude of services, preventive work and advocacy

8. Challenges - Quality • Shall we have a certification system to ensure high quality work? • Or/and a A-level criteria? • Should the Barnahus term be restricted? • Or should we as a Barnahus community strive together to ensure higher standards/quality? • We are developing tools, network, inspiration • Need more reviews, evaluation and feedback

9. Challenges – structural and practice • Legislation and political framework – opportunities or limitations • Police/prosecutor investigating promptly • Reception and preliminary hearings • Quality of medical examinations/interventions • Child forensic interviews • Linking a national centre to of competence to the practical operations of Barnahus

10. The ultimate Quality Standard? Some key indicators; • The best interests of the child • Avoid re-traumatisation • Rapid access to justice and care • Access to Barnahus services for children from different parts of the country and for all groups of children exposed to violence

11. Next Stop Haarlem and Brussels • In Haarlem, exchange meeting – looking into the progress country-wise • review good practice standards and tracking tool • Brussels, the final meeting with representatives from many countries in Europe • Present achievements, tools and advocacy messages

12. PROMISE II • Preparing a proposal to be handed in early December • Implementation at national level, roundtables, capacity building and mentoring • Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Romania, Germany, Lithuania, UK • Associated partners, governments and existing Barnahus and advocates such as the Child Protection Hub – South East Europe

13. An inclusive Barnahus movement • All interested countries in EU, Europe and globally will be part of the Barnahus movement • Some will be directly involved in PROMISE II • But/and - all outputs, outcomes and reflections will be shared with all interested countries and advocates • The media/communication will be upgraded • The aim of PROMISE II is to strengthen the Barnahus movement – not limiting it!

14. Thank you!