Has the child welfare service made contact? Do not panic, and do not ignore it. Read the letter carefully, ask for an interpreter, prepare, show up and speak calmly and concretely, write everything down afterwards – and contact a lawyer if the allegations are serious. Here is a practical step-by-step guide for parents.

First reaction: keep a cool head

A letter or a phone call from the child welfare service can trigger fear, anger or a wish to deny everything. That is a normal emotional reaction, but you should act rationally. Your first behaviour can affect how the case develops. That is why it is important neither to ignore the contact nor to react with aggression.

Step 1: Read the letter and understand why they are making contact

If you receive a letter, read it carefully. If you do not understand the language, have it translated by a trusted adult, a counsellor, a lawyer or an official interpreter – do not guess at the content.

Try to get an overview of:

  • who is making contact, and from which municipality
  • what the matter is about
  • whether a meeting has been scheduled
  • whether any deadlines are set
  • whether you need to confirm anything
  • who the contact person is

Step 2: Ask for an interpreter

Ask for an interpreter immediately if you are not confident in Norwegian. A simple wording can be: "I want to take part in the meeting and understand all the questions correctly. I request a professional interpreter for [language]."

Asking for an interpreter is not a sign of weakness or guilt – it is a right and a way to avoid misunderstandings. Remember that children must never be used as interpreters. You can read more about this and other rights in the article on your rights in a child welfare case.

Step 3: Prepare for the meeting

Good preparation makes you more confident. Before the meeting you should:

  • write down your questions
  • gather relevant documents
  • think through what the case may be about
  • get information from school, kindergarten or a doctor if it matters
  • consider honestly whether there are real challenges in the family
  • not coach the child or pressure it to "answer correctly"

If there are real problems in the family, it is rarely wise to deny everything automatically. Sometimes honesty and a willingness to accept help look better than a complete denial of the obvious.

Step 4: At the meeting – speak calmly and concretely

At the meeting itself:

  • listen to the questions all the way through
  • answer concretely and on the facts
  • do not interrupt, do not threaten, do not shout
  • do not accuse everyone of racism without concrete grounds
  • ask for a question to be repeated if something is unclear
  • say so if the interpretation is unclear
  • say "I need to check that" rather than inventing an answer

A calm and factual manner makes a better impression than long, emotional monologues.

Step 5: Write everything down afterwards

Right after the meeting you should note:

  • the date of the meeting and who was present
  • which questions were asked
  • what you answered
  • what was agreed
  • which documents you must submit
  • when the next contact will happen

If you can, send a short email confirming your understanding of what you agreed.

What you should NOT do

When you should contact a lawyer immediately

A lawyer is especially important if:

  • the service talks about serious danger to the child
  • there are allegations of violence
  • the child has already been temporarily placed outside the home
  • a coercive measure is being discussed
  • you have received complicated legal documents
  • the family does not understand what is happening
  • you believe your rights are being breached
  • there is a risk you will lose contact with the child

Remember: if the case goes to the County Board, you are entitled to a free lawyer. Do not wait until the last moment if the situation is serious.

If the family is offered help

Help from the child welfare service is not always a punishment. Sometimes it is a way to show you are willing to improve the situation. Examples are parental guidance, family support, help with daily life, work on conflicts, help for the child and cooperation with the school. You may also be referred to the health clinic and other services – see the overview of the health system in Norway.

Accepting help does not necessarily mean admitting guilt. But if the help is genuinely needed, refusing it without explanation can be perceived negatively. The background to many conflicts is precisely culture and upbringing – read more about raising children in Norway and the limits.

What to remember

  • Never ignore the contact, but do not panic – read, understand and prepare.
  • Ask for an interpreter, and never sign documents you do not understand.
  • Speak calmly and concretely, and do not pressure the child or distort the facts.
  • With serious allegations or coercive measures: contact a lawyer.

This series does not replace legal advice, but helps parents with an immigrant background understand the system, avoid acting out of fear, and protect both the child's and the family's interests. Get the full picture in the main guide on what barnevernet does and the rights you have.

This article is information, not legal advice. If your family already has a case with the child welfare service – especially with serious allegations or coercive measures – you should seek professional legal help.