Bairns' Hoose - Scottish Barnahus: vision, principles and approach
Sets out the vision of how Barnahus should be implemented in Scotland, the principles which should underpin the model and our approach to its practical implementation.
Bairns’ Hoose and the Scottish justice system
Bairns’ Hoose continues to observe the independent role of the Lord Advocate as head of the system of investigation and prosecution of crime in Scotland. The national Bairns’ Hoose model will be compatible with the independent responsibilities of police, prosecutors, children’s reporters and the judiciary.
The Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019 is also a milestone piece of legislation in the journey towards the Bairns’ Hoose model. The Act introduces a presumption that the evidence of child witnesses should be pre-recorded ahead of trial in criminal cases that are prosecuted in front of a jury and which involve certain offences. In doing so, it seeks to reduce the trauma often associated with giving evidence at trial and aims to support children and other vulnerable witnesses in giving their best evidence. We will continue to work with partners across the criminal justice sector on its implementation.
Contact
Email: bairnshoose@gov.scot