Ettervernet

Ettervernet is a Norwegian term used in public policy and welfare contexts to describe the ongoing network of services and supports that remains in place after a formal program or institutional contact ends. Because Norwegian administrative language often uses -net to denote a network, the exact scope of ettervernet can vary by sector and by municipality.

In practice, ettervernet is most commonly associated with aftercare arrangements for individuals who have left child welfare services or group homes, and with continuing support for patients or clients after discharge from acute health care or psychiatric services. The overarching goal is to promote continuity of care, stable housing, employment or education, and social inclusion, reducing the risk of relapse or re-entry into formal care.

In child welfare, ettervernet may involve coordination between social services, education authorities, housing agencies, and family or guardians to help youths transition to independent living while ensuring safety and access to resources. In health and mental health, ettervernet emphasizes follow-up appointments, medication management, and community-based supports that bridge hospital or clinic care with everyday life.

The term can be used in policy debates and in municipal planning, and its exact provisions are frequently defined in local regulations and agreements rather than a single national standard. See also ettervern (aftercare).