BarnsBeste

BarnsBeste is a national competence network for children as next of kin, established by the Ministry of Health and Care Services through a specific assignment to the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority in 2007.

The South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority operates the network and chairs the steering group, which consists of all four regional health authorities, user representatives, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities and Kristiansand Municipality. Sørlandet Hospital HF is responsible for leading and coordinating the competence network at the national level.

Guiding principles for our work

BarnsBeste - the National Competence Network for Children as Next of Kin - is to be a leading expert body in the field of children as next of kin. This means that the competence network keeps abreast of relevant knowledge and develops the field of children as next of kin in collaboration with its networks of practitioners, researchers, user representatives and central government authorities.

BarnsBeste prioritises professional development aimed at children as next of kin and their caregivers, as well as practitioners who encounter them through their work.

Legislation and government guidelines

BarnsBeste’s professional work is carried out in accordance with applicable legislation. Government guidelines, for example in the form of guidance documents and national initiatives, will guide our priorities.

Professional principles

In our professional development work, we are committed to following established principles to ensure that our efforts address the actual needs of our target groups. Our work must be knowledge-based, network-based and relevant to practice.

BarnsBeste’s values

Our values are respect, accessibility, professional competence and commitment. Our values should characterise the organisation in everything we do and guide our conduct.

BarnsBeste’s vision

Our vision is for children who are next of kin or bereaved to experience openness, participation, recognition and support in their everyday lives.

BarnsBeste’s areas of work

BarnsBeste’s work can be divided into five areas. Networking and knowledge development are overarching areas that provide the foundation for the other three: communication, advice and professional development.

Knowledge

Knowledge is the foundation of our professional work at BarnsBeste. Relevant knowledge is added to our knowledge bank, inspired by the modelEvidence-based practice, which includes research-based knowledge, experiential knowledge and
user knowledge. Our knowledge bank consists of organised knowledge from all three of these sources.

Networks

BarnsBeste’s networking work involves organising and operating networks of clinicians, researchers, government authorities, organisations and resource people who are relevant to the field. The networks meet regularly and contribute by sharing experiences and knowledge
about needs, challenges and good practice, providing input for the further development of the field and helping to improve the quality of existing systems.

Communication

Communicating knowledge about children as next of kin is a central part of our mandate. We share knowledge through e-learning, teaching, conference presentations, professional articles, scientific articles, books, films and social media.

Advice

BarnsBeste responds to enquiries about children as next of kin at all levels, from government authorities, practitioners who work with children as next of kin and their families, and individuals who have questions or would like advice. BarnsBeste also actively participates in consultations, providing advice and recommendations through consultation submissions.

Professional development

A large part of BarnsBeste’s work involves professional development. In this work, we prioritise organisation and measures, training and health literacy.