Scottish Election 2021: 'Bairns' Hoose' to protect children in justice system

A new SNP government would reform how children are treated in Scotland’s justice system with the creation of a Scandinavian style model to protect the rights of young people.
The SNP's Humza Yousaf said a "Bairn's Hoose" could be created.The SNP's Humza Yousaf said a "Bairn's Hoose" could be created.
The SNP's Humza Yousaf said a "Bairn's Hoose" could be created.

Humza Yousaf announced his party will ensure that all child victims or witnesses, and their families, have all the care, support and services they need delivered under one roof at the “Bairn’s Hoose” by 2025. Currently, families often have to access multiple different services in multiple locations.

He also unveiled plans to create a Victims Commissioner for Scotland and pledged that a formal consultation would be launched to consider the removal of the controversial “not proven” verdict.

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The Bairns’ Hoose idea comes after politicians examined the “Barnahus” (Children’s House) model used in some Scandinavian countries.

Mr Yousaf said: “We know how difficult involvement in the justice system can be for anyone, but it can be particularly difficult for children. In everything we do we must respect the rights and wellbeing of children and young people.

“At present, young people caught up in the justice system may have to go through multiple different services in multiple locations. That simply isn’t right."

He added: “Scandinavian countries have introduced a model that provides a welcoming and safe environment for children who have to engage in the justice system. All the care and support a child and their family needs is delivered under one roof - at a place called the Barnahus - the children’s house. In Scotland we will introduce the ‘Bairns Hoose’.“These centres will operate on the principle that the needs of children in criminal cases are totally different from adults in the same situation. The child will be the centre of their work. And we will ensure that every child victim or witness will have access to a Bairn’s Hoose by 2025.”

The Barnahus buildings in countries such as Iceland and Sweden bring together agencies such as law enforcement, criminal justice, child protective services and medical services under one roof so that children who are victims to or witnesses of crime can give evidence in a non stressful environment. Often they are established in a residential neighbourhood, as opposed to in a courthouse, police station, or hospital, which can be intimidating locations for children.

Children can also often give evidence via video from the Barnahus, rather than having to visit a court - and can also receive medical examinations if needed.

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Mr Yousaf said that the Scottish Government had invested over £75 million in victim support over the last five years.

He said: “The commissioner will provide an independent voice to victims and witnesses and review the provision of victim services. Where necessary they will provide challenge to Government, and those across the Justice system, if there are steps we need to take to improve a victim’s justicejourney."

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He said the SNP would also create a new funding regime for victim support organisations and introduce a justice-specific knowledge and skills framework for trauma informedpractice.

He said an SNP government would also consult on the removal of the ‘not proven’ verdict. Campaigners, including Rape Crisis Scotland and opposition parties have called for the verdict to be scrapped.

Mr Yousaf said research had found that the “Not Proven” verdict can cause confusion for many jurors.

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