This checklist aims to support states to effectively structure cooperation between child protection services and other agencies that collaborate within Barnahus. It is developed based on the insights gathered during the EU co-funded project SOTERIA. 

Child protection services provide children and caregivers the necessary services and support when suspicions of child abuse arise. Child protection services are particularly important in cases where the child needs protection due to potential abuse. Therefore, the establishment of collaboration guidelines for Barnahus in how to collaborate with child protection services is of high importance.

Throughout Europe, the variety in organisational structures, stakeholder interests, and applicable legislation makes it challenging to create a general recommendation for how to include Child Protective Services in Barnahus. 

To accommodate these complexities, this checklist is designed to support agencies collaborating within Barnahus to ensure effective cooperation and communication with child protection services. The checklist is not exhaustive. Rather, it is a foundational tool that requires further development and adaptation to meet the specific needs of each individual Barnahus setting.

The areas addressed are: 

Cross-cutting: Child and caregiver participation: embed trauma-sensitive and inclusive practice

1. Decision-making structures: clarify who decides what and how

2. Confidentiality and information sharing: agree on clear procedures

3. Protocols and agreements: formalize interagency roles and responsibilities

4. Monitoring and evaluation: implement systems to track and improve practice

5. Communication and coordination: create structured routines and contact points

6. Training and collaboration: build shared understanding and culture

7. Professional support: provide supervision and reflective practice

8. Workload and resources: plan realistically across agencies

9. Safeguarding and risk: define joint responsibilities and response protocols

10. Early joint case management: start collaboration from the first contact