Resources › Child welfare services (barnevernet)
Child welfare services (barnevernet)
Dealing with child welfare services (barnevernet) can feel unsafe for both children and parents. Here we gather information about rights, access to your case file, and where to get support.
Only a few guides in this category are translated so far. Browse the full category (Norwegian) →
When child welfare services receive a report of concern
What happens after a report of concern? Deadlines, what an assessment involves, and how it can end.
Your rights when dealing with child welfare services
Both parents and children have rights in a child welfare case: the right to speak, to bring a support person, and to know what the case concerns.
Support measures from child welfare services
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?
Care orders and the Child Welfare and Health Board
A care order is the most serious decision child welfare services can request. What are the conditions, what happens at the Board, and what rights do you have?
Accessing your child welfare case file
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.
Complaining about child welfare services
Who do you complain to, and within what deadline? Decisions, casework and Board rulings are complained about in different ways.
Support for parents in a child welfare case
A child welfare case is heavy to carry. Free conversations and courses for parents, and who you can talk to.
Worried about a child? How to report your concern
You can report a concern to child welfare services, anonymously if you wish. How to do it, and the 24-hour Children's Helpline 116 111.
Foster care: contact and follow-up
After a care order, children and parents generally have the right to contact with each other. How it is decided, and how the child is followed up in foster care.
Aftercare: support from child welfare services after turning 18
If you had measures from child welfare services before turning 18, you may be entitled to continued support until you turn 25. It requires your own consent.
Rights for children in a child welfare institution
Children living at an institution have their own, statutory rights, including freedom of movement, contact with others, and strict limits on the use of force.
The Children's House (Statens barnehus)
Where children are interviewed, examined and followed up after violence or abuse.