Barneverns

Barneverns, commonly referred to as barnevernet, is the child welfare service in Norway. Operated by municipalities as part of the social services, barneverns are responsible for safeguarding children’s health, development and safety. They assess reports of concern, provide support to families, and take protective measures when needed, in accordance with the Barnevernloven (Child Welfare Act) and related legislation.

Core functions include preventive work and family support, such as counseling, parenting guidance, home visits, and coordination with health care and education services. When risk is identified or conditions warrant, barneverns may arrange foster care, kinship care, temporary institutional care, or, in some cases, adoption processes, with the overarching aim of the child’s best interests.

Procedures: concerns are reported to the barneverns, who conduct investigations, assess needs and risks, and develop a plan of measures. If protective action is required, decisions are made within the legal framework and may be reviewed by the Fylkesnemnda for barne- og familiesaker (County Board for Child and Family Matters) or, in certain cases, by the district court. Parents and guardians have rights to be heard and to appeal.

Organization and oversight: Barneverns operate at the municipal level under the guidance of the Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir) and national policy. They collaborate with health, education, police, and other social services to coordinate supports and ensure child welfare is prioritized.

Barneverns work within a framework designed to protect the rights and interests of children while supporting families to remain together when safe and feasible, and intervening when necessary to prevent harm.