Request for comments: New act would strengthen child-friendly practices in criminal investigations

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is requesting comments on a draft new act on healthcare and social welfare units that assist in investigating suspected offences involving children. The aim is to make the child-friendly Barnahus model a permanent part of the investigation of suspected offences involving children. Comments can be submitted between 3 November and 15 December.

There are altogether five units specialising in forensic psychology and forensic psychiatry in Finland. These units, which operate in connection with university hospitals, assist the police in investigating sexual offences and assaults against children. Currently, the units are governed by the Act on Organising the Investigation of Sexual and Assault Offences against Children, which would be replaced by the new act.

The new act would strengthen multiprofessional cooperation in investigating suspected offences involving children. For example, at the request of the police or prosecutor, the units would compile summaries of information about children to help assess what criminal investigation measures are needed and how urgent they are. The units would also begin offering initial psychosocial support to children and their parents or other custodians, as well as training and advice to other professionals working with children.

The scope of the new act would be wider than that of the current Act. For example, the act would also apply to offences other than sexual offences and assaults, such as suspected cases of criminal deprivation of liberty or human trafficking against children. The units’ responsibilities would also be expanded in certain areas to include children who are suspected of committing a crime or who need to be heard as witnesses.

In complex custody disputes, courts could also ask the units to assess how the child experiences arrangements related to their living situation and right of access. This means the units would also assist in cases that do not necessarily involve any suspicion of a crime. However, the intention is that the expertise of these units would only be used in the most complex custody disputes.

Barnahus model strengthens support and treatment for children subjected to violence

The units specialising in forensic psychology and psychiatry are sometimes called the Barnahus units. The Barnahus model, which was initially developed in Iceland, enhances the investigation processes of suspected cases of violence against children and strengthens the support and treatment provided to children who have experienced violence. The model is based on multiprofessional cooperation between the authorities.

In Finland, the activities in line with the Barnahus model have been developed in a project that is now coming to an end. The new legislative amendment would make the multiprofessional cooperation launched in the project a permanent part of the operation of the units specialising in forensic psychology and psychiatry.

“When investigating offences against children and dealing with complex custody disputes, the most important thing is to protect the child and ensure the best interests of the child. Children must get the best possible support in difficult and even traumatic situations. Multiprofessional cooperation is the key to this. With this legislative amendment, we will make sure that the work done in the Barnahus project becomes a permanent way of doing things,” says Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen.

In addition to other objectives, the amendment would implement the Government Programme’s objective of ensuring that in cases of sexual violence against children, the criminal investigation is in the best interest of the child and that multiprofessional support is provided.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare would be responsible for the national guidance of the activities under the new act. The act is scheduled to enter into force at the beginning of 2027.

Inquiries:

Marjo Malja, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Social Affairs, tel. +358 295 163 581

Laura Terho, Senior Minister Adviser, tel. +358 295 163 550

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