Meeting room: Ballroom

This session aims to support interviewers and multidisciplinary teams to make the most of their work together. Experience across Europe shows that collaboration within Barnahus has led to improved, individualised planning and execution of forensic interviews with children, resulting in better outcomes. Embedding evidence-based interviewing protocols into multidisciplinary teams not only strengthens the quality of evidence, but also enhances the child’s experience of justice.

This session explores how forensic interviewing protocols can be effectively embedded within multidisciplinary child protection teams—particularly in Barnahus—while respecting the rights of the child as a victim of crime. It looks at how inputs from other professionals before, during and after —such as family history, communication assessments, and emotional support— can improve both the interview process and lead to more, higher quality evidence. It examines how trauma-sensitive approaches before, during, and after interviews can improve the child’s capacity to share their experiences, while ensuring their rights are respected under the Victims’ Rights Directive.

Rebecca O’Donnell will provide updates on the progress to revise the Victims’ Rights Directive. Niamh O’Loughlin will share practical experience and approaches from Barnahus West to embed evidence-based interviewing in their multidisciplinary team. Maria Keller-Hamela will reflect on how similar principles have informed practice in Poland. Relevant tools from recent EU-funded projects will be highlighted.

By the end of this session, participants will:

• Reflect on their progress to embed forensic interviews into a robust multidisciplinary practice
• Explore how to convince different professionals about how their inputs improve the quality and child-friendliness of interviews
• Be updated on the evolving legal framework under the Victims’ Rights Directive
• Have information and inspiration upon which to continue to make progress 

Moderator: Rebecca O’DONNELL, Child Circle and Barnahus Network Steering Group member 

Panellists: 

• Niamh O’LOUGHLIN, Barnahus West in Galway, Ireland
• Maria KELLER-HAMELA, Empowering Children Foundation, Poland, and Barnahus Network Steering Group member

Rebecca O’DONNELL is an Irish barrister who has been working in Brussels for over twenty years. She is a Founding Member and the Director of Child Circle, a European NGO that strengthens child protection policy and practice. Rebecca has played a central role as a legal adviser to Promise from its inception in 2014/15, connecting Barnahus standards and practice with EU legal obligations and policy recommendations. With over 20 years’ experience in EU law and advocacy, O’Donnell specialises in areas like child-friendly justice, children in migration, and cross border protection.  She is also currently the senior EU policy adviser to the European Guardianship Network.  She previously served as Senior Child Protection Adviser at Save the Children’s EU Office, and was a partner in an international law firm focusing on EU law. Rebecca has contributed to influential projects on Barnahus. An experienced strategist and author of legal analyses, O’Donnell is dedicated to ensuring that systems of justice and child protection uphold children’s rights and welfare at every step.

Niamh O’LOUGHLIN is a specialist social work practitioner who holds the position of Interim Manager at Barnahus West in Galway, Ireland. Niamh has a master’s in social work from University of Galway, and a Professional Diploma in Court Intermediary Studies from the University of Limerick. Niamh has expertise as a Forensic Interviewer, and has undergone training in various therapeutic interventions for children and their families. Niamh played a key role in Ireland’s Barnahus pilot, bringing extensive frontline experience in child protection practice. At Barnahus West, she leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting child victims and their families through one coordinated process. Niamh’s expertise is nationally recognised, particularly in evidence-based interviewing of children. As an advocate for Barnahus, she frequently provides specialised training and speaks on the benefits of this innovative approach. In her work, Niamh emphasises child-friendly justice, rights-based frameworks, family engagement, and minimising trauma during investigations. Her leadership, collaboration, and practical insights have contributed to the expansion of Barnahus in Ireland, and she continues to advocate for refinements in policy and practice to better protect children.

Maria KELLER-HAMELA is a clinical psychologist and one of Poland’s foremost child protection experts. Since 1996, she has been working at the Empowering Children Foundation – formerly the Nobody’s Children Foundation – where she served for many years as Vice President of the Board. Maria has dedicated her career to preventing child abuse and improving responses for victims. She holds a psychology degree from the University of Warsaw and is certified in family violence prevention. Maria has pioneered child forensic interviewing techniques in Poland and in Eastern Europe, has trained judges, prosecutors, police officers, and therapists nationwide and abroad. Internationally, she has been coordinating for many years projects across Eastern Europe “Childhood without violence – towards the better child protection system” and is active in EU Barnahus initiatives, sharing her expertise to establish child-friendly services. She is the member of the editorial board of the scientific quarterly Child Abuse: Theory, Research, Practice.

Meeting room: Ballroom

This session brings together practitioners and policy experts to explore how child protection operates in and with Barnahus across Europe. It begins with a presentation of new findings from a mapping of child protection roles and tasks in Barnahus, followed by an introduction to a newly developed checklist designed to complement the forthcoming Standard 11 on Child Protection.

Ireland’s Tusla Child and Family Agency will present their work to establish a national standard operating procedure to support coordinated action between Barnahus staff and child protection services. Participants will share how child protection is practiced in their own context, highlighting models, challenges, and success stories that could support implementation of the new standard.

By the end of this session, participants will:

• Learn about the diversity of child protection practices in Barnahus across Europe
• Gain access to new tools, including a practical checklist and protocol guidance
• Share examples from their own work that may inform the finalisation of the forthcoming standard on child protection
• Reflect on strategies to improve coordination between Barnahus and child protection agencies

Moderator: Fiona GERAGHTY – Tusla, Ireland and Barnahus Network Steering Group member

Speakers:

• Linda JONSSON, Marie Cederschiöld University
• Julie O’DONNELL, Tusla, Ireland
• Sven WILSON, Council of the Baltic Sea States

Fiona GERAGHTY is an Irish social work leader serving as the Manager of Barnahus South in Cork under Tusla – Ireland’s Child and Family Agency. In this role, she oversees one of Ireland’s first Barnahus pilot services. Geraghty represents Tusla on the European Barnahus Network Steering Group, contributing her on-the-ground insights to the international Barnahus community. She previously worked as a Principal Social Worker in Cork and has a deep understanding of Ireland’s child protection system. Fiona has been instrumental in adapting Barnahus to the Irish context – establishing interagency protocols, training specialised staff, and ensuring services are child-friendly. Her work is helping to pave the way for a national rollout of Barnahus so that all children in Ireland have access to these one-stop, child-centred services.

Linda JONSSON is a Swedish researcher and clinical expert specialising in child sexual abuse and exploitation. She holds a Ph.D. in child psychiatry and is an Associate Professor of social work, currently lecturing and researching at Marie Cederschiöld University. Jonsson’s career spans roles as head of the sexual abuse unit at Barnafrid (Sweden’s national knowledge center on violence against children) and as the European Barnahus competence centre coordinator for the Barnahus Network at the Council of the Baltic Sea States. Her research focuses on online exploitation, impact of trauma, and improving therapeutic interventions for child victims. Linda has published extensively, and has helped develop a Barnahus Quality Standard on child protection. She is actively involved in international Barnahus initiatives, ensuring that practice is informed by the latest evidence.

Julie O’DONNELL is a social worker who leads Barnahus development at Ireland’s Child and Family Agency (Tusla). Qualified in 2000, she has over two decades of experience in statutory child protection services. Julie has served as social work team leader and principal social worker, and was recently appointed National General Manager for Tusla Barnahus. She holds postgraduate qualifications in public management and leadership. She is also involved in training (e.g. at University of Galway) and has been a key contributor to Ireland’s Barnahus pilot in Galway. Julie’s leadership is driving the rollout of child-friendly, multiagency centres so that Irish children only have to tell their story as few times as necessary, and in a safe environment.

Sven WILSON Sven Wilson is a policy and research specialist at the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) Children at Risk Unit in Stockholm. He focuses on regional cooperation to improve child protection, including supporting the Barnahus projects across Europe. Sven has supported the research and drafting of numerous groundbreaking Barnahus initiatives on child protection, child participation, and online sexual violence. He has led developments in digital innovation in Barnahus services – for example, a new child-friendly app that informs children about the Barnahus process. Sven works with governments and practitioners to strengthen multidisciplinary responses to child abuse. He has contributed to training webinars and tools for Barnahus, emphasising the importance of clear child communication and feedback. With a background in philosophy, research, and international policy, Sven plays a key part in the Barnahus Network’s efforts to ensure every child victim is heard, supported, and informed throughout their journey to justice.

This session highlights key milestones and special moments from across the Barnahus Network. We’ll welcome new members and new steering group members. We’ll recognise achievements, share updates on recent developments, and build momentum for the year ahead.

Barnahus across Europe continue to take meaningful steps forward in their setup and practice. They are opening new locations, strengthening national frameworks, and expanding services to reach more children. Many are building stronger connections with police and courts, establishing protocols, and embedding Barnahus more firmly into child protection and justice systems. Others have focused on improving the quality of care—through training, new therapeutic models like EMDR and CPC-CBT, or by upgrading their physical spaces to better meet children’s needs.

Progress has also been made in raising awareness, influencing legislation, improving interagency cooperation, and applying evidence to practice. From launching tools to track outcomes, to supporting families more holistically, to welcoming children who were previously underserved, the momentum is clear. Whether just starting out or deepening established services, each story adds to a collective sense of purpose. 

Join us in this plenary to see, hear, and celebrate what your colleagues across the network are achieving—and what it means for the future of Barnahus.

By the end of this session, participants will:

• Hear success stories and practical examples from across the Barnahus Network
• Celebrate peer accomplishments and collective growth
• Be updated on the latest developments within the Network
• Connect their own work to the shared vision and progress of the wider community

Speakers:  

• Olivia LIND HALDORSSON – Head of the Children at Risk Unit at the Council of the Baltic Sea States, Secretary General of the Barnahus Network 
• Shawnna von BLIXEN-FINECKE – Deputy Secretary General, Barnahus Network

Shawnna von BLIXEN-FINECKE is the Deputy Secretary General of the Barnahus Network. She has extensive knowledge of how Barnahus has been adapted in different national contexts, and plays a leading role in coordinating and advising Barnahus initiatives through bilateral support and international exchange. Shawnna played a central role in developing and coordinating training during various PROMISE and other projects, which were foundational in expanding Barnahus across Europe and strengthening their organisation and practice. An experienced project manager with a background in communications, she previously worked for the U.S. State Department and the European Commission, and holds a master’s in political science from Uppsala University. Shawnna’s work ensures that best practices and innovations in Barnahus implementation are shared throughout the network, strengthening services for children.

Meeting room: Ballroom

Online sexual violence against children is rising rapidly, yet many children affected by this form of abuse remain underserved. This session explores what Barnahus teams need to know—and do differently—to meet the needs of these children and support their recovery and access to justice.

Linda Jonsson will set the scene about the unique challenges presented by online sexual violence against children, including the persistent perception among many professionals that it has a lesser impact on children compared to conventional forms of violence. She will further present recent findings from Sweden, including the new Childhood Foundation report “Sprickor i systemet,” (Cracks in the System) which highlights gaps in interagency coordination and systemic barriers children face after online abuse. 

The voices of children will feature centrally through insights gathered by Children First, reflecting what young people want and need from professionals after online harm. Themes include the importance of being believed, going at the child’s pace, having support from a trusted adult or organisation, and careful coordination between Barnahus, police, and other actors.

Protect Children, Finland will present selected insights from their work supporting non-offending caregivers of children affected by online sexual violence. Drawing from their peer support group model “You Are Enough,” and an accompanying caregiver guide developed with European partners, the presentation will explore how caregivers process complex emotions such as guilt, grief, and helplessness, and how professionals can support them in turn. Topics will include how to help caregivers respond constructively to disclosure, manage feelings of failure and shame, and rebuild trust with their children. 

By the end of this session, participants will: 

• Be informed about the specific challenges and misconceptions that limit effective responses to online sexual violence against children
• Gain insights into what children and young people say they need from professionals after online harm, including key relational and procedural factor
• Understand how to support non-offending caregivers through trauma, disclosure, and family healing processes
• Reflect on practical ways Barnahus teams and their interagency partners can adapt case management and service delivery to meet the needs of this group

Moderator: Anette BIRGERSSON, Marie Cederschiöld University, Sweden 

Speakers:

• Katariina LEIVO, Protect Children, Finland 
• Mary GLASGOW, Children First, Scotland 
• Linda JONSSON, Marie Cederschiöld University, Sweden

Anette BIRGERSSON is a Swedish trauma therapist and internationally recognised trainer in evidence-based therapies for abused children. A qualified social worker and licensed psychotherapist, she has over 20 years’ experience working with children and adolescents impacted by sexual abuse and trauma. Anette is a certified trainer and supervisor in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for youth. She founded SkillsClinic in Sweden, and frequently serves as a keynote speaker and educator across Europe, Australia, and the US. Anette’s mission is to improve practitioners’ understanding of trauma and to spread effective therapeutic approaches within Barnahus and similar services. She collaborates with Barnahus teams to implement therapeutic approaches and has been involved in the Barnahus Network’s capacity-building (for example, delivering TF-CBT courses to clinicians). With her engaging style and deep expertise, Anette Birgersson has trained hundreds of professionals, ultimately helping to ensure child victims receive compassionate, skilled therapy on their road to healing.

Katariina LEIVO is a Senior Specialist at Protect Children (Suojellaan Lapsia ry) in Finland, as well as a trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapist working with children and youth affected by sexual violence, including online exploitation. She spent 17 years in London’s multicultural child services sector, promoting the wellbeing and recovery of vulnerable children and families, before returning to Finland to focus on protecting children from sexual abuse and supporting survivors. At Protect Children, Katariina plays a leading role in developing innovative support models – for example, facilitating the “You Are Enough” peer support groups for non-offending parents of child victims of online sexual abuse. She actively contributes her clinical expertise to governmental and international working groups, and regularly speaks at international conferences and panels on child protection. Katariina’s work ensures that Barnahus and similar services integrate specialised support for victims of online sexual exploitation and their families, helping professionals respond to new challenges in the digital age.

Mary GLASGOW is the Chief Executive of Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, and a driving force behind the country’s implementation of Barnahus in Scotland (known locally as “Bairns’ Hoose”). Under her leadership, Children First established Scotland’s first Bairns’ Hoose in North Strathclyde. Mary has over three decades of experience in children’s services and has championed transformational change in how the justice and care systems respond to abuse. She works closely with government, academia, and partners (like Victim Support Scotland and police/judicial authorities) to test and develop the Barnahus approach in the Scottish context. Mary is a vocal advocate for children’s rights: she emphasises that children should be able to give evidence and heal from trauma without enduring the harm of traditional court processes. Internationally, she shares Scotland’s journey and encourages bold, rights-based reforms. Through her vision and advocacy, the Bairns’ Hoose has already supported hundreds of children and influenced plans to roll out Scotland’s approach nationally.

Linda JONSSON is a Swedish researcher and clinical expert specialising in child sexual abuse and exploitation. She holds a Ph.D. in child psychiatry and is an Associate Professor of social work, currently lecturing and researching at Marie Cederschiöld University. Jonsson’s career spans roles as head of the sexual abuse unit at Barnafrid (Sweden’s national knowledge center on violence against children) and as the European Barnahus competence centre coordinator for the Barnahus Network at the Council of the Baltic Sea States. Her research focuses on online exploitation, impact of trauma, and improving therapeutic interventions for child victims. Linda has published extensively, and has helped develop a Barnahus Quality Standard on child protection. She is actively involved in international Barnahus initiatives, ensuring that practice is informed by the latest evidence.