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!