On October 10th and 11th, NOVA organized a seminar for researchers in the now European network for Barnahus research.
In 2014, the Nordic Network for Barnahus Research was established by researchers at NOVA. Since then, more researchers have joined, and the network has expanded from being Nordic to becoming European.
One of the main goals of the seminar was to revitalize the network and give it new momentum after several years of lower activity. Bringing together researchers with shared research interests related to the Barnahus model is crucial for advancing this field of research. Meeting face-to-face in such network gatherings can strengthen bonds and create a strong foundation for future collaboration, says Elisiv Bakketeig, researcher at NOVA, OsloMet, and coordinator of the network.
The Barnahus Model Spreads Across Europe
Barnahus are cross-sectoral, co-located services for children and vulnerable adults who may have been exposed to violence or abuse. One of the goals of Barnahus is to ensure child-friendly legal processes and offer holistic follow-up care.
The Barnahus model is now spreading internationally, and Barnahus are being introduced in many countries with support from both the EU and the Council of Europe. During the network meeting, researchers from Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, and Norway presented how Barnahus are organized in their respective countries. The presentations revealed differences between the models, but also common features, highlighting how the design of Barnahus models is influenced by the institutional context in which they are implemented.
– It is a privilege to be part of a network that works for children’s legal security and well-being. It will be exciting to see what activities will emerge now that we have expanded the network to include all of Europe, says Bakketeig.
NOVA is a leading environment for Barnahus research, and Kari Stefansen and Elisiv Bakketeig have been co-editors of the book Justice and Recovery for Victimised Children. Institutional Tensions in Nordic and European Barnahus Models (link.springer.com), which was launched in August 2024 and also includes a contribution from Lotte C. Andersen. The book is available open access.