AQO 1920/22-27
Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast
Tabled Date: 03/04/2025
Answered On Date: 24/07/2025
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on her Department's implementation of a Barnahus model.
Answer:
ORAL QUESTION 6 - AQO 1920/22-27 ANSWER A jointly chaired working group between the Departments of Justice and Health is considering a Barnahus model for Northern Ireland, as this is a shared objective of both mine and the Health Minister. A wider workshop including additional operational partners was held in October 2024 to inform possible options, using a benchmarking assessment of current experience and services against the Barnahus standards. Following the outcome of that workshop, officials are drafting options and associated high level costs to be considered by the working group and partners at a meeting planned for June 2025. In line with Barnahus recommendations and best practice in policy development, it is envisaged that children and young people with lived experience will be engaged to provide input on draft proposals. I understand that proposals for a Barnahus model may be available for consideration by myself and the Health Minister in Summer 2025. Implementation of an acceptable model will be dependent on funding.
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