Fife’s selection as one of the six national Pathfinder sites for the Bairns Hoose initiative marks a significant achievement, showcasing the strength of our multi-agency partnerships and the commitment to advancing child protection.

The Bairns Hoose model, inspired by the Barnahus concept, integrates child protection, health, therapeutic support, and justice services within a single, child-friendly environment. This holistic approach aims to reduce the trauma children experience when navigating complex systems and ensures their voices are at the centre of every intervention.

In 2023-24, the focus has been on strategic planning and design of the service, engaging over 30 local partners and national agencies to build a blueprint that aligns with the Bairns Hoose standards. The service is not yet operational, but substantial progress has been made. Partners have identified  potential locations and explored service models that meet the specific needs of Fife’s children and families.

The Bairns Hoose implementation in Fife is overseen by the Child Protection Committee (CPC), which ensures that the model is closely aligned with other local child protection initiatives. The infrastructure will continue to be developed with feedback from children, young people and families, to create a welcoming and supportive environment for those accessing services.