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Accessing your child welfare case file

access documents child welfare file see my case

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 →

As a parent with party rights, you generally have the right to see the documents in the case. There are exceptions. How to request access.

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

Want to understand what child welfare services base their assessment on? You can ask to see the documents in your case. The right of access is tied to being a party to the case.

The general rule

Before the child turns 18, parents with party rights generally have access to all case documents in the child welfare case. The rules are found in sections 18 and 19 of the Public Administration Act.

Exceptions

Out of consideration for the child, and after a specific assessment, you can be denied access to parts of the case, for a shorter or longer time. This can happen, for example, if access could expose the child or others to danger or harm, or if access could prevent child welfare services from carrying out an investigation.

Information that is withheld must, on request, be made known to a representative for you, such as a lawyer, unless special circumstances prevent it.

How to request access

1. Send a brief, written request to the child welfare service in the municipality. State who you are, which child and which case it concerns, and that you are requesting access to the documents in the case.
2. Keep a copy and note the date.
3. If you are refused, or only given partial access, ask for a written justification. The refusal is a decision you can complain about.

Example:

I am requesting access to all documents in the child welfare case concerning my child [name and date of birth], from [period]. I would like a copy sent to me.

If you are refused

You can complain. See Complaining about child welfare services. If you have a lawyer, use them. See Free legal aid.

Bufdir. Duty of confidentiality and party access (Norwegian) →

Sources

• Bufdir. Duty of confidentiality and party access (Norwegian)
• Bufdir. The Child Welfare Circular (Norwegian)

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.