Bairns' Hoose - pathfinder phase: delivery plan 2025 to 2027

1. Ministerial foreword

On behalf of the Scottish Government, we are pleased to present this refreshed Bairns' Hoose Pathfinder Phase Delivery Plan (2025-2027), which builds upon the progress made to date in developing and delivering Bairns' Hoose across Scotland.

Since launching the Pathfinder phase in October 2023, we have taken significant steps towards providing children and young people who have experienced trauma and harm the necessary provision and support towards recovery. A great deal remains to be done, but the progress of our six Pathfinder, four Affiliate partnerships, and development areas demonstrates the transformative and impactful change underway and potential of the Bairns' Hoose model. This progress would not have been possible without the extraordinary dedication, commitment and professionalism of our partners across Scotland. Their expertise and unwavering focus on improving outcomes for children has been instrumental in driving this work forward. This is evident by the fact that a number of areas have established Bairns’ Hooses, or are scoping appropriate locations for their Bairns’ Hoose, as well as the progress made by those areas that are in earlier stages of planning for how they will test the Bairns’ Hoose Standards in their local area.

Our commitment to getting this right was reinforced by our decision to extend the Pathfinder phase to spring 2027. This extension reflects our recognition that transformative change in child protection requires careful consideration and time to embed new approaches effectively. During his visit to a number of Bairns' Hoose partnerships in October 2024, Bragi Guðbrandsson, founder of the Barnahus model, specifically praised Scotland's remarkable progress, noting that the achievements made in Scotland to date were exceptional. This international recognition validates our approach while inspiring us to push further in our ambitions.

The establishment of the National Bairns' Hoose Implementation Group marks a new chapter in our journey, bringing together expertise from across Scotland to guide this vital work. Together, with our robust analytical programme and a growing knowledge exchange network, we are building the foundations for a sustainable, child-centred service that will transform how we support children and young people.

As we look ahead to 2027 and beyond, our focus remains steadfast on ensuring that all children in Scotland who have been victims or witnesses of abuse or violence, which has caused, or is likely to cause, significant harm, will have access to trauma-informed recovery, support and justice.

In delivering for Scotland, Bairns’ Hoose will ensure that any child under the age of criminal responsibility whose behaviour may have caused serious harm or abuse will have access to trauma-informed, needs-focused support and recovery.

This Delivery Plan sets out how we will achieve this vision through continued learning, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

Natalie Don-Innes MSP

Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise

Siobhian Brown MSP

Minister for Victims and Community Safety

Tom Arthur MSP

Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing