As a parent in a child welfare case you have clear rights: the right to see the case documents, the right to an interpreter, the right to explain yourself, and the right to a free lawyer if the case goes to the County Board (barneverns- og helsenemnda). The child also has independent rights. You are not without rights – but they must be used wisely.

Take the contact seriously – but do not panic

A letter, a phone call or a meeting with the child welfare service is a shock for many parents, especially if you do not know the language or the system well. Panic, silence and aggression can harm the case. The most important thing is to understand your rights, prepare, and stay calm.

The rights below apply regardless of whether you are a Norwegian citizen. They follow from the Child Welfare Act, the Public Administration Act and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The right to understand what the concern is about

You have the right to know why the child welfare service is interested in your family. You can ask them to explain:

  • what the concern is specifically about
  • which questions will be discussed
  • what is expected of you
  • what the next steps in the case will be

You also have the right to access the case documents and the right to be notified before the service makes a decision. Sometimes not all information can be given at once, but you should still ask for as clear an understanding as possible.

The right to an interpreter

This is one of the most important rights for immigrants. If you do not understand Norwegian well enough, you should ask for an interpreter. Under the Interpreting Act, which took effect in 2022, public bodies have a duty to use an interpreter when it is necessary to safeguard legal security and proper assistance.

Key points:

  • Do not hold important meetings by "roughly" understanding the language.
  • Children must not be used as interpreters – this is forbidden under the Interpreting Act.
  • Avoid using relatives or friends in legally sensitive conversations.
  • The interpreter should help you understand, not decide the case for you.

Practical tip: ask in writing for an interpreter for the meeting in advance, and state which language you need.

The right to give your version and present documents

You have the right to explain the situation from your side. You can:

  • describe the context and the family's situation
  • show what you are already doing to solve a problem
  • present information from a doctor, school, psychologist or counsellor
  • correct misunderstandings

Speak calmly and concretely. It rarely helps to make general accusations like "you are against immigrants" or "this is all lies". Instead answer the facts, point by point.

The right to documentation and written records

It pays to keep your communication in order:

  • keep letters and decisions
  • note dates of meetings and the names of caseworkers
  • ask for written decisions and reasons
  • write a short summary after each meeting: what was discussed, what was agreed
  • keep documents from school, kindergarten, doctor and psychologist

This is not about conflict for its own sake, but about normal protection of your own interests.

The child has independent rights

The child is not only part of the case – it has its own rights. A child able to form its own views has the right to be heard (Child Welfare Act § 1-4), and can talk to the service without the parents' consent. A child who has turned 15 has independent party rights (§ 12-3).

The child speaking alone with the service does not mean it "turns the child against the parents". The purpose is to understand how the child itself experiences the situation. The law also requires the service to take account of the child's linguistic and cultural background. You can read more about the link between residence and rights in Norway in the guide on permanent residence and the requirements.

When you are entitled to a free lawyer

This is essential to know. If the service brings the case before the County Board (barneverns- og helsenemnda) – for example a proposal for a care order, or an emergency decision – you are entitled to a free lawyer. This legal aid is not means-tested, and the Board appoints a lawyer for you if you do not choose one yourself.

The right to complain: statsforvalteren and the district court

If you disagree with the service's assessment, you can complain. Decisions on support measures and other individual decisions by the service can be appealed to statsforvalteren (the State Administrator), normally within three weeks of being notified of the decision. A care order is decided by the Board and can then be brought before the district court (tingretten) for full review. Use your right to complain actively if you believe something is wrong – but stick to the facts and the deadlines.

What "the best interests of the child" means

In Norway the key criterion in decisions is what is best for the child's safety, health, development and stability (Child Welfare Act § 1-3). The best interests of the child are not always the same as the parents' wishes. But that does not mean the parents are irrelevant: family, attachment, language, culture and religion can be part of the child's best interests, as long as it does not compromise the child's safety.

What to remember

  • You have the right to access, to be heard and to be notified before a decision.
  • You have the right to an interpreter – and children must never be used as interpreters.
  • You are entitled to a free lawyer if the case goes to the County Board.
  • The child has independent rights, and "the best interests of the child" is the overriding principle.

Fear and misunderstandings often make cases worse – read about why many immigrants fear barnevernet and get the full overview in the main guide on what barnevernet does.

In the next article you get a practical step-by-step guide: what to do if the child welfare service writes, calls or summons you to a meeting.

This article is information, not legal advice. With serious allegations or coercive measures you should seek professional legal help.