In the framework of the joint Council of Europe - European Union Structural Reform Support Programme (DG REFORM) project “Support the Implementation of Barnahus/Children’s House in Slovenia” phase II, a Virtual Study Tour for members of the Slovenian Parliament took place on 9 March 2021. The aim of the study tour was to raise awareness of the lawmakers on existing Barnahus good practices and models in view of the Slovenian Law on Barnahus being tabled currently in the parliament.

The representatives of the Slovenian authorities had the chance to get in-depth knowledge about the models in Norway, Iceland and Linköping (Sweden). The Leaders of these three Barnahuses made an overview of the legal basis, structure and functioning of their respective institutions followed by questions and answers session.

Mr Blaž Pavlin, Member of the Slovenian Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Justice, stated that “The Barnahus project in Slovenia will provide a child-friendly and safe environment in which children victims of any type of violence will be able to access the necessary help, support and assistance in the most vulnerable moments of their lives”. Participants to the meeting welcomed and supported this project, which will contribute to the improvement of the Slovenian system on protection of children’s needs. The first phase of the Slovenia Barnahus project resulted in the production of the draft Law on Child Protection in Criminal Proceeding and their comprehensive treatment in Barnahus, which will be voted in the Slovenian Parliament by the end of March 2021.