Several health trusts are implementing "Children under the radar"

- It is encouraging that so many people are committed to and want “Children under the radar” at their health trusts and hospitals. This represents a collective responsibility for the well-being of children, says Linn Mari Berge, specialist adviser at BarnsBeste and project manager for the national implementation of “Children under the radar”.

Children under the radar was first launched as a pilot project at Sørlandet Hospital in 2019, making it the first hospital in Norway to use the checklist. Unni Mette S. Köpp, a senior consultant at SSHF, initiated the project, which covers ambulance services, emergency departments and mobile emergency teams.

- All healthcare professionals are required to notify the child welfare service, and the aim of the checklist is to give healthcare professionals confidence when assessing whether or not a report should be made, especially in cases involving suspected violence and serious neglect, says Köpp.

BarnsBeste, the national competence network for children as next of kin, has led and coordinated the national implementation of "Children under the radar". In January 2023, all health trusts in Norway were encouraged through their assignment documents to prioritise vulnerable children and young people. This included further developing and implementing tools such as "Children under the radar" from Sørlandet Hospital.

Implementation has already produced positive results, with increased focus on patients’ children, the establishment of clearer procedures, and staff who are better equipped to address concerns about patients’ children.

- We are well on our way to health trusts adopting "Children under the radar" in accordance with the 2023 letter of assignment, and we believe that national implementation can help detect more cases of child abuse and serious neglect in Norway, says Siri Gjesdahl, head of BarnsBeste.