The Children’s House’s Role in Work with Young Suspects

Children under the age of 16 who are suspected in sexual offense cases (i.e., offenses covered by Chapter 26 of the Norwegian Penal Code on sexual offenses) may be interviewed at a Children’s House (Barnehus).

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Children who display harmful sexual behavior (HSB) can be both victims and suspects. The distinction between children suspected in criminal cases and children who are victims in criminal cases can be somewhat artificial. We often see that these are the same children. The aim is to work in such a way that these children do not end up in the criminal justice track when they turn 18 and risk being prosecuted as adults.

The Children’s House works in several ways, with a focus that includes:

  • Facilitating interviews
    • The center is used as a safe setting for specially adapted interviews when children under 16 are suspected of criminal acts.
    • The interview is conducted by the police, but the setting at the center makes the situation more child-friendly. The suspected child and their family have access to a dedicated advisor with a social work background.
  • Safe environment
    • The center is physically adapted for children and young people in order to reduce stress and fear.
    • The child may bring a parent or guardian, and staff members are present to support the child throughout the process.
  • Interdisciplinary support and assessment
    • The center facilitates early involvement of healthcare professionals, child welfare services, and other relevant services.
    • They help identify needs for medical follow-up, psychological support, or child welfare interventions.
  • Coordination and collaboration
    • The center serves as a hub linking the police, child welfare services, healthcare services, and others.
    • It aims to ensure that both the suspected child and any potential victim receive appropriate and coordinated follow-up.
    • Children’s Advocacy Centers participate in interdisciplinary consultation teams to ensure high-level professional competence and the right support in the most complex cases.
  • Follow-up and guidance
    • The center provides some forms of treatment, mainly focused on trauma and harmful sexual behavior (HSB).
    • In addition, the centers can offer information, guidance, and referrals to services such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Rebessa, or habilitation services.
    • The center is responsible for ensuring that the child is not left without follow-up after the interview.

Nettsiden ble sist oppdatert 29.05.26