To ask the Minister of Health for an update on his Department’s work to develop a Barnahus model.

The Barnahus Working Group, jointly chaired by the Department of Health and Justice, held a workshop in June 2025 to consider an options paper for a Barnahus model in Northern Ireland. A programme of wider stakeholder engagement in relation to the options paper is currently ongoing and plans are in place to engage with people with lived experience. Officials in both Departments are also currently working to determine the relevant high level costs involved.

I understand that a final options paper will be presented to both the Justice Minister and myself for consideration in due course. Implementation of any model will be subject to appropriate funding and resources being made available.