Bairns' Hoose - Scottish Barnahus: vision, principles and approach

Bairns’ Hoose and the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM)

Most children and young people who attend a Bairns’ Hoose through the child protection IRD process will be interviewed for evidential purposes and to assess any necessary protective action in relation to that child, or any other child. The interview will be a formal joint investigative interview (JII) which should be conducted by specially trained police officers and social workers using  the Scottish Child Interview Model.

The new approach to joint investigative interviewing of children in Scotland is the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM), which will be a fundamental aspect of the national Bairns’ Hoose model. This new model of practice is trauma-informed, keeps the needs and rights of children at the centre of the process and aims to achieve best evidence through robust planning and interviewing techniques. The principles underpinning SCIM are fully aligned with the principles underpinning the Bairns’ Hoose vision. 

Across Scotland, interviews are already conducted within Bairns’ Hoose-style services where these are available. As partnerships continue to develop, joint investigative interviews will be carried out in a Bairns’ Hoose whenever it is in the best interests of the child to do so. This approach seeks to  ensure the collection of reliable evidence while considering the needs and wellbeing of the child, reducing the risk of retraumatisation and the emotional impact on the child.