”Det är ju inget dagis precis ...”: Barns och föräldrars upplevelser av kontakter med barnahus: Delrapport 6 i utvärderingen av nationell försöksverksamhet med barnahus 2006-2007.

The study is an interim report on the evaluation of the Swedish children's house (Barnahus) which is a counselling facility and residence for children and adolescents who have been victims of criminal abuse (e.g. sexual abuse or violence). The evaluation was conducted by researchers at the unit for Sociology of Law and the School of Social Work at the University of Lund. The purpose of this study is to elucidate connections and uncover knowledge about how children and young people can best be protected when investigating the crime to which they have been exposed. The following questions are the focal points of the study:
1) What happens when the child and/or the parents meet with the respective authorities within and outside
the children's house?; 2) How can the concept 'child perspective' be interpreted and incorporated into the work of the children's house?; 3) Who safeguards the child's interests, how and when?

The results of the studies show that there are different perceptions of the children's houses among children and adolescents. Some of those questioned associate the name children's house with childishness whereas others associate it with refuge, i.e. a place where you can get help. Parents, however, have a purely positive impression. It is difficult for children to understand the meaning and implications of police questioning. The study concludes that early support and assistance is crucial for the children and their families. Parents wish to be present during police questioning. Parents find it difficult to understand the meaning and implications of the various investigations and examinations. There is a need for support aimed at parents.  The overall conclusions of the study concern the significant role that the children’s houses play in relation to ensuring children's rights and improving their well-being. Relevant improvements will be to focus on more explicit communication of the function of the scheme (a new name is necessary) and mission as well as a better and more systematic internal evaluation system, and finally ongoing improvement of cooperation between the different authorities (police, social workers and school).

The study consists of interviews with children, adolescents and parents who have been in contact with, or been directly affected by the children’s house in six municipalities up to the turn of 2005 to 2006. Interviews with 22 parents and 12 children were conducted.

Rasmusson, B. (2008). ”Det är ju inget dagis precis ...”: Barns och föräldrars upplevelser av kontakter med barnahus: Delrapport 6 i utvärderingen av nationell försöksverksamhet med barnahus 2006-2007. Lund: Lunds Universitet.