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Support for parents in a child welfare 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 →
A child welfare case is heavy to carry. Free conversations and courses for parents, and who you can talk to.
Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 21 September 2026. Rules and deadlines change, so always check the official site before you act.
Having a child welfare case can feel lonely and overwhelming, no matter how it ends. It's okay to need support, and help is available.
Family counselling service: free conversations for parents
The family counselling service (familievernet) offers free counselling and conversations to parents who have had care of their child taken over, and who need help in a crisis. According to Bufdir, you can get help to:
- handle the difficult situation,
- get support in your role as a parent,
- improve communication in the network around the child.
Some offices hold conversation groups or courses where you meet other parents in the same situation. The offer typically includes a clarifying conversation, a conversation where you tell your story, and a focused course of conversations of up to eight hours.
How to sign up: Contact a family counselling office directly by phone or email. You don't need a referral, and you can choose an office freely, even outside your local area. The child welfare service can also help you book an appointment. Find offices at bufdir.no.
Family group conference
In a family group conference, family and network come together to find solutions together. Parents, young people and child welfare services can all propose it.
Lawyer
In cases before the Child Welfare and Health Board, you have the right to a free lawyer. See Care orders and the Child Welfare and Health Board.
Share your experience
Many people feel alone when dealing with child welfare services. You can read how others have experienced it, and share your own experience, under Shared experiences (Norwegian). Remember that we do not publish the names of private individuals or information that could identify a child.
Need someone to talk to right now?
Call 113 or the out-of-hours medical service (116 117) if you are in acute crisis. If you are worried about a child, you can call the Children's Helpline on 116 111.
Bufdir. Support for parents who have had care of their child taken over (Norwegian) →
Sources
- Bufdir. Parents who have had care taken over (Norwegian)
- Bufdir. Find a family counselling office (Norwegian)
- Bufdir. Family group conference (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.