The emergency and response team Púlsinn begins operations against violence among children

Part of government measures addressing violence among children and against children

The team is a collaborative project of the municipalities in the capital area (SSH), the Capital Area Police, and the Agency for Children and Families. It is part of government measures addressing violence among children and against children and is supported by the Ministry of Education and Children. In the Ministry’s grant allocations to municipalities last autumn, nearly 500 million ISK was distributed to 15 projects across the country – the largest grant, 240 million ISK, was awarded to the development of a new centralized emergency and response team for cases of violence involving children: Púlsinn.

Within Púlsinn works a group of experienced specialists with extensive experience working with young people in difficulty. The group is intended to respond to and address cases of violence, clarify and facilitate reporting pathways, and ensure effective cooperation among all service providers and systems. By intervening earlier in such cases and providing children who engage in violence with appropriate support quickly and purposefully, hopes are placed on reducing the likelihood of such offenses recurring and decreasing cases of violence among children.

“We should never accept violence among children or against children. It is our duty to respond with compassion, determination, and responsibility, with the child itself at the center of everything we do. Púlsinn is a very important milestone, because through coordinated efforts we can better protect children and reduce violence,” says Inga Sæland, Minister of Education and Children. “The Ministry called for project proposals from municipalities last year for that purpose. Púlsinn has now been implemented and more projects are in the pipeline, and I truly believe and hope that they will deliver results in improved well-being for children,” says Inga Sæland, Minister of Education and Children.

“The project is part of our necessary measures against violence among children. The objective of Púlsinn is to accelerate responses to cases of violence, clarify reporting pathways, and strengthen cooperation in our joint support of children and families. We know that by intervening early and with targeted support, it is possible to reduce repeat offenses and decrease such cases,” says Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir, Mayor and Chair of the SSH Board.

Seeking to avert further violence

Púlsinn is based at the South Center of the City of Reykjavík, but staff members of the team travel between municipalities as circumstances require. The team steps into cases that arise, assesses whether there is a risk of further violence, and seeks ways to resolve conflicts. The aim is to avert the risk of further violence before the team’s involvement concludes. Work follows a clear protocol that representatives of all municipalities have signed, which ensures, among other things, that cases are handled in a consistent manner.

A diverse and experienced group

Andrea Marel, a leisure and social studies professional, is the team manager of Púlsinn, and with her in the team are eight other specialists with diverse backgrounds, experience, and language skills. The group includes, among others, another leisure and social studies professional, social workers, and psychologists. The staff have worked within several municipalities and share, above all, extensive experience working with young people who have exhibited risk behavior and face various challenges in life.

Service providers request the involvement of the team

Schools, youth centers, social services and child protection services, the police, and others who provide services to children can activate Púlsinn. If parents or guardians believe that Púlsinn should become involved in their child’s case, the first step is to contact one of the above parties and request assistance in connecting with the team.