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Support measures from child welfare services

Draft, translated: translated from the Norwegian original with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is the authoritative one. See the Norwegian original →

Most families who get help from child welfare services get support measures at home. These are voluntary as a general rule. What are they, and what can you do if you disagree?

Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 21 September 2026. Rules and deadlines change, so always check the official site before you act.

Support measures are help child welfare services can give to families who need support to give their child good care. Bufdir states that most families who get help from child welfare services get support measures at home.

Examples of support measures

advice and guidance from the child welfare service,
visiting homes and a support contact,
supervision at home,
guidance for parents, including in groups,
a kindergarten place and after-school care,
measures for children with behavioural difficulties.

Voluntary, as a general rule

The child welfare service can, as a general rule, only put support measures in place if the family wants it. If child welfare services refuse an application for help, they must give a written decision.

In rare cases, the Child Welfare and Health Board can order certain support measures even if the parents do not consent. Bufdir states that this is used very rarely, and that voluntary measures must first have been considered or attempted. In such a case you get a lawyer and can present your views.

Plan for the measure

The child welfare service must draw up a plan for the measure together with the family. How long the measure lasts depends on what is suitable for the particular family.

Family group conference

A family group conference is a meeting where the child, family, friends and others who matter come together to find solutions. An independent coordinator leads the meeting, and the child chooses their own support person. The meeting ends with an action plan. Young people, parents and child welfare staff can all propose a family group conference, and it is voluntary.

If you disagree

You can complain about a decision on a support measure within three weeks. The complaint first goes to the child welfare service, and if they do not rule in your favour, on to the County Governor (Statsforvalteren). See Complaining about child welfare services.

Tip: Ask what the goal of the measure is, how long it will last, and how it will be evaluated. Get it written into the plan for the measure.

Bufdir. How child welfare services can help the family (Norwegian) →

Sources

Kontaktpunkt24 gives general information, not legal advice. If you need help with your own case, contact a lawyer, a legal aid service, or the relevant authority.

This page is translated from Norwegian with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is always the authoritative one.