In the Barnahus model, suspected violence against a child is investigated in multidisciplinary cooperation governed by the child’s best interest. In the model, work is done to ensure that children are encountered in a child-friendly manner and their needs are considered holistically.

The aim of the Barnahus model is to  

• improve the availability and quality of the support and treatment received by children who have experienced violence 
• develop multidisciplinary early cooperation 
• increase child-friendliness in the encounters, services and facilities. 

A majority of children who are suspected to be victims of violent offences use the services of their own area. Work in accordance with the Barnahus model is carried out by police officers in pre-trial investigations of offences against children, prosecutors in court processes, and healthcare and social welfare professionals in the wellbeing services counties. In the Barnahus model, the pre-trial investigation, hearing the child, medical examinations, and the child’s need for protection and psychological support are taken into account.  

Finland also has five forensic psychology and psychiatry units for children and adolescents, which operate in accordance with the Barnahus model. In these units, suspected cases of child abuse are investigated in situations where executive assistance has been requested as part of the pre-trial investigation by the police.

It is important to coordinate the actions of the professionals so that investigating the suspected abuse will not cause additional strain or harm to the child and the family.