From 9 to 11 December 2025, a three-day advanced pilot training on adopting a trauma-informed approach to child sexual abuse was delivered in Cork, Ireland, as part of the Council of Europe -  European Union joint project “Support the Implementation of Barnahus in Ireland.” The first two days of the programme took place in person, followed by an online session on the third day.

This activity builds on the initial trauma-informed care training organised during Phase I of the project (9–11 April 2025). That initial session provided participants with the essential knowledge and tools needed to identify and address child sexual abuse through a trauma-informed lens, in line with the Barnahus model.

This turn, the advanced training aimed to further strengthen the capacities of professionals who already possess a solid understanding of Barnahus principles and trauma-informed practice. 

This event marked the first training activity of Phase II of the project. The group was composed of the same professionals who took part in Phase I: police officers from An Garda Síochána, social workers from Tusla, staff members from Barnahus South and West, as well as medical professionals and therapists from Children’s Health Ireland and the Health Service Executive.

Participants appreciated the presence of professionals from diverse backgrounds and roles.  As one participant highlighted at the end of the training, this diversity enriched the experience: “These three days have given me time to think about what a valuable job we do, and how hard it is. It has made me realise how important collaboration is for every child we assist.”

Participants provided valuable feedback, which will be used to refine and further develop the training programme and to conduct Train-the-Trainer sessions to create a pool of trainers at national level. 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.

Programme