Support for Barnahus implementation in Latvia

Latvia (LV)

Project facts

Project promoter:
Latvian Ministry of Welfare(LV)
Project Number:
LV-HOMEAFFAIRS-0006
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€1,836,976
Donor Project Partners:
Government Agency for Child Protection(IS)
Other Project Partners
Children''s Clinical University Hospital(LV)
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(FR)
State Inspectorate for Protection of Children''s Rights(LV)
Programme:
International Police Cooperation and Combating Crime

More information

Description

The main aim of the project is to strengthen child-friendly justice by developing, testing and implementing a multisectoral and multi-disciplinary institution that is focused on child victims of violence/abuse. The project is aiming to develop, test and implement a multisectoral and multi-disciplinary victim centered institutional cooperation model for cases of violence against children – Barnahus model

The main activities in the project include;

  • establishing more effective and efficient procedures for investigation of child abuse;
  • increasing the knowledge of staff and potential witnesses;
  • raising public awareness (two public campaigns);
  • upgrading facilities in line with the European quality standards for Barnahus;
  • staff will be trained in responding to concerns of child abuse;
  • development of a multi-disciplinary model (teams of professionals) for inter-agency cooperation and coordination;
  • providing relevant guidelines and methodology to respond to the cases effectively and taking into consideration the needs of the victims.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address the following key issues and challenges related to child victims of violence and abuse:

  • lack of child-friendly justice:
    • the project sought to improve the justice system''s response to child victims, which was deemed insufficiently child-friendly.
  • fragmented and inefficient investigation procedures:
    • existing procedures for investigating child abuse were not effective or efficient, leading to potential re-traumatization of child victims.
  • insufficient knowledge and skills of staff:
    • staff involved in handling child abuse cases lacked adequate knowledge and skills in responding to the specific needs of these victims.
  • low public awareness:
    • there was a need to raise public awareness about child abuse and the importance of child-friendly justice.
  • inadequate facilities:
    • existing facilities did not meet European quality standards for Barnahus, which are designed to create a safe and supportive environment for child victims.
  • lack of multi-disciplinary coordination:
    • there was a need for a more coordinated and collaborative approach among different agencies and professionals involved in child abuse cases.
  • absence of relevant guidelines and methodologies:
    • professionals lacked clear guidelines and methodologies for effectively responding to child abuse cases while considering the needs of the victims.

The project undertook a range of activities to establish and implement the Barnahus model. Here''s a summary of the key actions and outputs:

  • development of effective procedures:
    • establishment of more effective and efficient procedures for the investigation of child abuse.
  • capacity building and training:
    • increased knowledge of staff and potential witnesses through training programs.
    • staff training in responding to concerns of child abuse.
  • public awareness:
    • implementation of campaigns to raise awareness about child abuse and the Barnahus model.
  • infrastructure upgrades:
    • upgrading of facilities to meet European quality standards for Barnahus, creating a child-friendly environment.
  • multi-disciplinary model development:
    • development of a multi-disciplinary model, establishing teams of professionals for inter-agency cooperation and coordination.
  • guideline and methodology development:
    • provision of relevant guidelines and methodologies to ensure effective responses to child abuse cases, with a focus on victim needs.

The project aimed to achieve significant results in strengthening child-friendly justice, and it impacted a variety of beneficiaries. The following are outcomes and impacts:

  • improved child-friendly justice:
    • the project successfully contributed to the development and implementation of the Barnahus model, creating a more supportive and less traumatic experience for child victims of violence and abuse.
  • enhanced investigation procedures:
    • the establishment of more effective and efficient procedures for investigating child abuse led to more thorough and less re-traumatizing investigations.
  • increased professional capacity:
    • training programs significantly increased the knowledge and skills of staff involved in handling child abuse cases, improving their ability to respond effectively.
  • greater public awareness:
    • public awareness campaigns raised awareness about child abuse and the Barnahus model, encouraging reporting and support for victims.
  • improved facilities:
    • upgraded facilities created a safe and child-friendly environment, meeting European quality standards for Barnahus.
  • strengthened inter-agency cooperation:
    • the development of a multi-disciplinary model fostered better coordination and collaboration among different agencies and professionals.
  • effective victim support:
    • the provision of relevant guidelines and methodologies ensured that responses to child abuse cases were tailored to the needs of the victims.

Beneficiaries:

  • child victims of violence and abuse:
    • they are the primary beneficiaries, experiencing a more supportive and less traumatic justice process.
  • professionals working with child victims:
    • including social workers, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, and legal professionals, who gained improved skills and resources.
  • the Ministry of Welfare and related agencies:
    • tbenefited from the development of a more effective system for addressing child abuse.
  • The Latvian legal system:
    • the project contributed to a more just and effective system for protecting children.
  • Latvian society as a whole:
    • a more robust system for protecting children contributes to a safer and more caring society.

Summary of bilateral results

To drive the successful adoption of the Barnahus model, this project leveraged strategic international exchange and public engagement. Firstly, a pivotal study visit to the Icelandic Children’s House offered an in-depth, firsthand experience. This immersion provided crucial insights into the model''s practical application, demonstrating its operational workflow, the effectiveness of interdisciplinary teamwork, and the importance of a child-centered approach. Secondly, to expand public understanding and highlight the EEA Grants'' support, the project participated in the prominent Arendal Week "Arendalsuka" festival. This event served as a vital platform for engaging with key decision-makers, stakeholders, and the wider public, allowing the project to effectively communicate the advantages of the Barnahus model and champion its implementation in Latvia.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.