Barnahus Ireland Professional Education Project Delivers Pilot Advanced Level Trauma-Informed Care Training at UCC

15 Dec 2025

Pilot in Advanced Level Trauma-Informed Care Training at University College Cork

From 9th to 11th December 2025, Dr. Maria Lotty (School of Applied Social Studies), Blathnaid McCabe (Children's Health Ireland), and Eimear Lacey (Children's Health Ireland), supported by the Council of Europe’s María Asensio Velasco successfully delivered the Pilot Advanced Level of Barnahus Ireland Trauma-Informed Care Training at University College Cork.

This three-day programme brought together a dedicated group of professionals representing the four rooms of Barnahus:

• Tusla – Child and Family Agency
• Children’s Health Ireland (CHI)
• An Garda Síochána
• Health Service Executive (HSE)

The training was designed to deepen understanding and application of trauma-informed principles within the Barnahus model, ensuring that children and families receive compassionate, coordinated, and effective care.

Participants engaged in thoughtful discussions, practical exercises, and collaborative learning, making the pilot an energising and insightful experience. Feedback from attendees will play a vital role in finalising this advanced-level programme, which aims to strengthen interagency cooperation and enhance trauma-informed practice across Ireland.

Quote:
"This pilot marks an important step in implementing Barnahus Ireland, a child rights, trauma-informed model of care. We are grateful to all participants and partners for their commitment to creating safer, more supportive environments for children and families." – Dr. Maria Lotty

For more on this story contact:

maria.lotty@ucc.ie