Scotland’s First Bairns House Helps 270 Child Victims

Scotland’s First Bairns Hoose Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Life-Changing Support for Child Victims

In the heart of North Strathclyde, Scotland, a beacon of hope has been shining bright for child victims and witnesses of abuse. Kate Rocks and Mary Glasgow, alongside Bairns Hoose partners, recently marked a significant milestone as they celebrated the first birthday of the North Strathclyde Bairns Hoose.

Since its inception a year ago, the internationally renowned Bairns Hoose, operated by the charity Children 1st, has provided life-changing support to a total of 169 children and 109 of their family members. Together with the University of Edinburgh, Victim Support Scotland, and local partners, Children 1st is pioneering a revolutionary approach to transforming justice, care, protection, and recovery support for child victims and witnesses.

Modelled after the successful Barnahus concept, the Children 1st North Strathclyde Bairns Hoose offers a trauma-informed, child-friendly environment where all the needs of children can be met under one roof. This innovative space, the first of its kind in Scotland, was made possible through the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Recently, the Children 1st Bairns Hoose achieved a significant milestone as a child gave evidence from the Bairns Hoose to court via a live link for the first time. This achievement symbolizes the progress and impact the Bairns Hoose has had in facilitating child-friendly justice processes.

Within the Bairns Hoose, the dedicated Children 1st recovery team collaborates with local partners to deliver comprehensive support to children from the moment they disclose being harmed. Shockingly, almost half of the children supported at the Bairns Hoose had endured sexual abuse, with significant proportions having experienced domestic and physical abuse.

Skyla, a young person assisted by the Bairns Hoose, highlighted the importance of this supportive space, stating, “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.”

Harper, another young person, expressed the comforting and empowering nature of the Bairns Hoose, “Bairns Hoose feels safe and is much more comfortable than being in scary buildings. My Children 1st 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, the chief executive of Children 1st, expressed her gratitude for the dedicated efforts of local, national, and international partners in making the Bairns Hoose a reality. She emphasized the mission to transform outdated systems to ensure children’s human rights are upheld by providing justice and support without subjecting them to traumatic court experiences.

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, commended the crucial role Bairns Hoose plays in protecting and supporting children during the justice process, ensuring they can heal and recover without further harm or trauma.

Furthermore, Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, shared her pride in being part of such an essential initiative like Bairns Hoose. She underscored the significance of providing vulnerable children impacted by crime with the support and resources needed to give their best evidence.

As the Bairns Hoose continues to evolve as a beacon of best practice, it has garnered international acclaim, hosting leaders from Australia, Japan, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland in its first year alone. The Scottish Government’s recent funding announcement has paved the way for the establishment of six Pathfinder Bairns Hoose sites, including the Children 1st North Strathclyde Bairns Hoose, further expanding its reach and impact across Scotland.

The collaborative efforts of Children 1st, local partners, and supporters have truly transformed the landscape of child protection and justice, ensuring that children’s needs and well-being are at the center of decision-making processes. The success of the Bairns Hoose stands as a testament to the power of unity and shared vision in creating a safer and more supportive environment for children and families affected by trauma and abuse.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of Scotland’s first Bairns Hoose as it continues to pave the way for a brighter future for vulnerable children across the country.