Children's rights

Advokat Barnevern

En barnevernssak er noe av det mest krevende et menneske kan stå i. Vi hjelper både barn og foreldre, fra første bekymringsmelding til endelig vedtak.

Usikker på dine rettigheter? Start med en gratis samtale.

Hvordan kan vi hjelpe deg

Fri rettshjelp

Undersøkelsessaker

En bekymringsmelding setter i gang en prosess som kan føles overveldende. Vi sørger for at du forstår hva som skjer, og at du blir hørt gjennom hele prosessen.

Fri rettshjelp

Omsorgsovertakelse

Når barnevernet vurderer å overta omsorgen for barnet ditt, er juridisk bistand avgjørende. Vi gir deg råd, representerer deg i nemnda og  sikrer at du får mest mulig samvær — uansett utfall.

Fri rettshjelp

Emergency decision

Et akuttvedtak er det mest inngripende barnevernet kan gjøre. Fristene er korte. Ring oss umiddelbart, så klager vi på vedtaket og ivaretar rettighetene dine.

Fri rettshjelp

Klage på vedtak

Barnevernets vedtak kan påklages til statsforvalter eller Barneverns- og helsenemnda. Vi håndterer hele prosessen, fra utforming av klagen til representasjon i nemnd.

Fri rettshjelp

Krav om tilbakeføring

Har livet ditt endret seg siden omsorgsovertakelsen? Du kan ha rett til å få barnet hjem. Vi bistår deg i nemnda og domstolene med å dokumentere og argumentere for tilbakeføring.

Fri rettshjelp

Representasjon i retten

Når en barnevernssak går til tingretten eller lagmannsretten er det avgjørende å ha en advokat som kjenner systemet. Vi forbereder deg grundig og fører saken din så sterkt som mulig.

Gratis advokathjelp

I de fleste barnevernssaker har du krav på fri rettshjelp, uavhengig av inntekt. I andre saker, som undersøkelsessaker, vurderes støtten ut fra din økonomi.

Vi vurderer alltid dine muligheter til gratis advokathjelp som første steg i prosessen.

Barn som part

Barn over 15 år har rett til å stå som part i sin egen barnevernssak — med alt det innebærer: egen advokat, innsyn i saksdokumenter og rett til å klage. Vi ivaretar barnets rettigheter på lik linje med foreldrenes.

The child's right to be heard

Barn over 7 år skal alltid få si sin mening — og den skal telle. Vi sørger for at barnevernet og nemnda faktisk lytter, ikke bare går gjennom motionene.

Hvordan kan vi hjelpe deg

Fri rettshjelp

Undersøkelsessaker

En bekymringsmelding setter i gang en prosess som kan føles overveldende. Vi sørger for at du forstår hva som skjer, og at du blir hørt gjennom hele prosessen.

Fri rettshjelp

Omsorgsovertakelse

Når barnevernet vurderer å overta omsorgen for barnet ditt, er juridisk bistand avgjørende. Vi gir deg råd, representerer deg i nemnda og  sikrer at du får mest mulig samvær — uansett utfall.

Fri rettshjelp

Emergency decision

Et akuttvedtak er det mest inngripende barnevernet kan gjøre. Fristene er korte. Ring oss umiddelbart, så klager vi på vedtaket og ivaretar rettighetene dine.

Fri rettshjelp

Klage på vedtak

Barnevernets vedtak kan påklages til statsforvalter eller Barneverns- og helsenemnda. Vi håndterer hele prosessen, fra utforming av klagen til representasjon i nemnd.

Fri rettshjelp

Krav om tilbakeføring

Har livet ditt endret seg siden omsorgsovertakelsen? Du kan ha rett til å få barnet hjem. Vi bistår deg i nemnda og domstolene med å dokumentere og argumentere for tilbakeføring.

Fri rettshjelp

Representasjon i retten

Når en barnevernssak går til tingretten eller lagmannsretten er det avgjørende å ha en advokat som kjenner systemet. Vi forbereder deg grundig og fører saken din så sterkt som mulig.

Gratis advokathjelp

I de fleste barnevernssaker har du krav på fri rettshjelp, uavhengig av inntekt. I andre saker, som undersøkelsessaker, vurderes støtten ut fra din økonomi.

Vi vurderer alltid dine muligheter til gratis advokathjelp som første steg i prosessen.

Gratis advokathjelp

I de fleste barnevernssaker har du krav på fri rettshjelp, uavhengig av inntekt. I andre saker, som undersøkelsessaker, vurderes støtten ut fra din økonomi.

Vi vurderer alltid dine muligheter til gratis advokathjelp som første steg i prosessen.

Barn som part (15+)

Barn over 15 år har rett til å stå som part i sin egen barnevernssak — med alt det innebærer: egen advokat, innsyn i saksdokumenter og rett til å klage. Vi ivaretar barnets rettigheter på lik linje med foreldrenes.

Barnets rett til å bli hørt (7+)

Barn over 7 år skal alltid få si sin mening — og den skal telle. Vi sørger for at barnevernet og nemnda faktisk lytter, ikke bare går gjennom motionene.

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Vi hjelper deg,
uansett hvor i landet

Vi bistår i barnevernssaker over hele Norge.

Det meste foregår digitalt, så du får kvalifisert juridisk hjelp uavhengig av hvor i landet du bor.

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Ofte stilte spørsmål om barnevern

Do you need a lawyer when dealing with child protection services?

I mange tilfeller setter barnevernet i gang en undersøkelsessak uten først å gjøre en vurdering av seriøsiteten og alvorlighetsgraden i bekymringsmeldingen. For å opprette en undersøkelsessak må det, ifølge barnevernloven, foreligge forhold som kan gi grunnlag for tiltak etter barnevernloven. Regelen blir sjelden fulgt opp i praksis. Dette er noe en advokat kan utfordre barnevernet på.

Remember that it is important to be safe when dealing with the CPS. If the case is serious or you feel unsafe, you should bring a lawyer with you. Prepare yourself well and make a plan for what you want to communicate in your meeting with the CPS. Remember that you can contact us for guidance in your case, free of charge!

Will it harm my case if I bring a lawyer?

Nei. Det vil aldri bli brukt mot deg at du stiller med advokat i møte med  barnevernet. Etter forvaltningsloven har du rett til å ha med deg advokat i møte med barnevernet. Det er ditt valg. Kontakt oss gratis hvis du lurer på om du trenger en advokat i ditt tilfelle.

Does the child welfare service have the right to talk to my child without me being present?

Yes. The child welfare services, and experts who have been engaged by them, may demand to speak to the child in private. This is stipulated in the Child Welfare Services Act. However, always ask if you or a close family member can be present during the interview.

Kan barnet ta med en tillitsperson i møte med barnevernstjenesten?

Yes. The child is entitled to be accompanied by a trusted person in all conversations with the child welfare services.

Representerer dere barn i Barneverns- og helsenemnda?

Ja! Vi kan helpe deg som er barn med å få partsrettigheter i tvilstilfeller, og vi kan være din advokat i nemnda og domstolene. Barnets beste er alltid det viktigste i en barnevernssak, og en advokat fra oss vil være en trygg og støttende talsperson for deg i din barnevernssak.

Må foreldre stille opp i møte med barnevernet og forklare seg? 

No. Parents have no duty to explain themselves to the CPS, but we recommend that you attend the first meeting with the CPS. You run the risk that the CPS will set a big machine in motion if you do not show up for the appointment. Bring a lawyer with you rather than failing to attend, and demand that the child welfare services cover your legal expenses if you are to attend the meeting. At Insa advokater, we are available for telephone consultations at no cost to you.  

Do I have to lift the obligation of confidentiality?

Nei! Barnevernet ber altfor ofte om opphevelse av taushetsplikt. Som forelder kan du føle deg presset til å si ja. En opphevelse av taushetsplikten fører ofte til at mange instanser, som skole og helseapparat,  blir informert om at ditt barn er involvert i en barnevernssak. Det kan være veldig belastende.

It may therefore be a good idea to challenge the CPS before signing such a declaration of waiver of confidentiality. With a lawyer present, the need for such a declaration will be assessed and the CPS's wishes will be challenged. The general rule in most cases is that you should not sign, but rather give the CPS access to the information they need. The CPS does not normally need access to your medical records for the last ten years.

Remember, however, that the child welfare authorities can obtain documents and information without your consent if the case is serious.

Articles

May 8, 2025
Are you thinking of filing a complaint about a concern with child welfare?
Receiving a report of concern from child welfare can be a stressful experience for both parents and children. It is important to understand the process and what rights you have if you wish to complain about such a report.

What is a concern report?

A report of concern is a report to the Child Welfare Service from a person or agency who is concerned about a child's care situation or behavior. The Child Welfare Service is obliged to assess all reports received to determine whether further investigation is needed.

Can you complain about a concern?

As a parent or guardian, you do not have a formal right to complain about the report of concern itself. Child welfare services are obliged to assess all reports they receive, regardless of content or sender. However, you have the right to be informed about the content of the report and the opportunity to express your opinion during the child welfare services' investigation.

What happens after a concern is reported?

When child welfare services receive a report of concern, they must review it within a week. If it is decided to conduct an investigation, child welfare services will contact the family, conduct a home visit and possibly obtain information from other agencies such as the school or health care system.

How to appeal a child welfare agency decision?

If you disagree with the child welfare service's decision after an investigation, you have the right to appeal. The appeal must be submitted in writing or orally to the child welfare service. If the child welfare service maintains its decision after considering the appeal, the case will be forwarded to the child welfare board for a final decision.

What if the concern is unfounded or false?

If you believe that the report of concern is based on false or unfounded allegations, you can report the matter to the police. It is important to document why you believe the report is false, so that the police can assess the case on the correct basis.

Important considerations

  • Collaboration with child welfare services: Although the situation may be difficult, it is often appropriate to collaborate with child welfare services to clarify misunderstandings and ensure the child's best interests.
  • Seek legal assistance: In serious cases or if you feel unsure about your rights, it may be a good idea to contact a lawyer with experience in child welfare cases.
  • Documentation: Keep track of all communications and documentation related to the case. This can be useful if the case escalates or you choose to appeal.

Dealing with a child welfare complaint can be challenging, but with the right information and support, the process can be more transparent and fair. Book a free meeting with one of our experienced child welfare lawyers .

December 6, 2024
What does it take for child protection to take a child?
When the child protection service considers taking over the care of a child, it is based on strict criteria laid down in the Child Protection Act. The purpose is to ensure the best interests of the child and protect it from serious neglect.

Proceedings in the event of a report of concern

The process often starts with a report of concern from a person who is worried about the child's situation. The Child Protection Service is then obliged to review the report within a week to assess whether there are grounds for further investigation. If there is reasonable reason to assume that the child is living in conditions that could harm their health or development, an investigation is initiated. The threshold for initiating an investigation is low.

The investigation phase

In the investigation phase, the child welfare agency collects information about the child's care situation. This may involve conversations with the child, the parents and other relevant people, as well as home visits. The examination must be thorough, but at the same time gentle, and must normally be completed within three months.

Possible outcomes of the survey

After the investigation, the child protection agency can conclude that:

  • No action: If no worrisome conditions are discovered, the case is closed without further action.
  • Voluntary aid measures: If there is a need for support, the child protection service can offer measures such as guidance, relief, institutional placement or other forms of assistance. These measures require parental consent.
  • Behavioral measures: If the child has shown serious behavioral difficulties, the child protection agency can decide that the child should be placed in a child protection institution or in a foster home, against the child's and parents' consent. The child can also be placed in a child protection institution if necessary to meet the child's immediate needs for protection and care.
  • Taking over care: In serious cases where the child's health or development is at risk, and voluntary measures are not considered sufficient, the child protection agency can file a case for taking over care before the Child Welfare and Health Board.
  • Emergency decision : If there is a risk that the child will suffer significant damage if the decision is not implemented immediately, the child protection agency can make an emergency decision about taking over care and placement in a child welfare institution.

Conditions for taking over care

In order for the child welfare services to be able to take over the care of a child without the parents' consent, there are strict conditions that must be met:

  • Serious neglect: There must be serious deficiencies in the day-to-day care or in the personal contact and security the child needs in relation to his age and development.
  • Lack of follow-up of special needs: The parents do not ensure that a sick, disabled or particularly needy child has his special needs for treatment and education met.
  • Abuse or abuse: The child is exposed to abuse or other serious abuse in the home.
  • Serious risk to the child's health or development: It is overwhelmingly likely that the child's health or development may be seriously damaged because the parents are unable to take sufficient responsibility for the child.

Before taking over care can be decided, it must be assessed whether it is possible to achieve a satisfactory care situation through voluntary assistance measures. Care takeover must only be used when less invasive measures are not sufficient.

The decision-making process

It is the child welfare and health board that makes decisions about taking over care. Parents have the right to legal assistance during the process, and children over the age of 15 have party rights and thus also the right to legal assistance. The tribunal assesses whether the conditions for taking over care have been met. What is decisive for any assessment made in child welfare cases is what is in the best interest of the child in the specific situation.

Emergency decision

In situations where there is a risk that the child will suffer significant damage if measures are not taken immediately, the child protection service can make a temporary emergency decision to take over care. This decision can be appealed. The parents and children who have reached the age of 15 have the right to legal assistance in the appeal process.

After taking over care

When care has been taken over, the child is usually placed in a foster home or in an institution. The parents retain parental responsibility, but the childcare service has day-to-day care. Emphasis is placed on maintaining contact between the child and the parents through visitation, unless this is considered harmful to the child.

Return of care

The parents can later apply for the return of care. For this to happen, it must be overwhelmingly likely that the parents can provide the child with proper care. Child welfare services have a duty to regularly assess return and assist the parents in achieving the necessary changes. Twelve months must elapse from the time the taking over of care takes place, until an assessment of the question of restitution can be demanded for the first time.

Taking over care is a serious and invasive measure that is only used when the child's health or development is in serious danger, and less invasive measures are not sufficient. Child protection must always act in the child's best interests and in accordance with the law's strict conditions.

If the child protection service is considering taking over the care of your child, or has already done so, it may be a good idea to contact a child protection lawyer who can represent you as parents or the child if he has reached the age of 15. The lawyer can contribute with his experience and knowledge of how the case should be handled in the best possible way, while at the same time ensuring your rights. A lawyer can also act as a supporter in a challenging time and as an adviser who helps the child welfare services to get a balanced and correct impression of the family situation.

Insa lawyers regularly assist both parents and children aged 14-15 in connection with their child protection case. Get in touch if you need a lawyer.

January 16, 2025
Sue child welfare? Here's how to proceed.
Suing child welfare is a serious and complex process that requires thorough preparation and an understanding of both legal rights and obligations. Here is a guide for individuals in Norway who are considering suing child welfare:

1. Understand the role of child welfare services

The primary task of child welfare services is to ensure that children and young people living in conditions that may harm their health and development receive the necessary help and care at the right time. They must also contribute to safe growing up conditions for all children and young people.

2. Consider the basis for the lawsuit

Before considering suing child welfare, it is important to identify specific errors or shortcomings in their case management or decisions. This may include violations of case management rules, failure to follow up, or incorrect decisions. Document all relevant events and gather evidence to support your claims.

3. Explore complaint options

Before you file a lawsuit, you should make use of the available complaint options:

  • Complaint to child welfare: Start by sending a written complaint to the relevant child welfare service. Describe your concerns and request a review of the case.
  • Complaint to the State Administrator: If you do not receive a satisfactory response from the child welfare service, you can complain to the State Administrator in your county. They supervise the child welfare service's activities and handle complaints about the case processing.

4. Seek legal assistance

Suing child welfare involves complex legal processes. It is therefore crucial to engage a lawyer with experience in child welfare cases. A lawyer can help you assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, guide you through the process, and present your case effectively.

5. Prepare the lawsuit

In collaboration with your lawyer, you should:

  • Collect documentation: Obtain all relevant documentation, including correspondence with child welfare services, decisions, reports, and other evidence.
  • Drafting a writ of summons: The lawyer will draft a writ of summons that outlines your claims and the basis for the lawsuit.

6. Be prepared for the legal process

Once the lawsuit is filed, the case will be heard in the district court. Be prepared that the process can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing. It is important to have realistic expectations and be aware that the outcome may vary.

7. Consider alternative solutions

In some cases, mediation or negotiations with child welfare authorities can lead to a solution outside the court system. This can be less burdensome and lead to faster results.

Suing child welfare is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By following these steps and seeking professional assistance, you can navigate the process in a way that serves both your interests and your child's.

Om du trenger bistand i din barnevernssak fra en av våre barnevernsadvokater, kan du ta kontakt eller booke et møte her.

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