A two-day pilot training on adopting a trauma-informed approach to child sexual abuse took place in Portlaoise, Ireland, on 9-10 April 2025 as part of the Council of Europe -  European Union joint project “Support the Implementation of Barnahus in Ireland.” The training aimed to equip professionals with needed skills to identify and address child sexual abuse through a trauma-informed lens, in line with the Barnahus model.

The training targeted key agencies involved in the implementation of Barnahus in Ireland and integral to the model’s interagency process. 25 participants took part in the event, including police officers from An Garda Síochána, social workers from Tusla, staff from Barnahus South and West, as well as medical professionals and therapists from Children’s Health Ireland and the Health Service Executive.

Given the group’s existing expertise and experience in child sexual abuse, this training contributed to further enhancing their ability to address child sexual abuse in a trauma-informed manner, ensuring that children receive high-quality care aligned with the Barnahus model. Through group exercises, the training also strengthened multi-disciplinary and interagency collaboration between stakeholders in identifying child sexual abuse and managing referrals, ensuring appropriate use of Barnahus services and prevent the overburdening of Barnahus centres, as well as acting in the child’s best interests.

Participants provided valuable feedback, which will be used to update and improve the content and delivery of the training developers and facilitators, making it more comprehensive and impactful. The long-term goal is to ensure the training is widely disseminated and fully integrated into practice for all staff working in or alongside Barnahus, as well as any professionals engaging directly or indirectly with children in Ireland.