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Financial assistance

As a general rule, you must cover your own legal expenses. However, you may apply for support under the free legal aid scheme.

Early Childhood Education and Care

Efforts to create the inclusive knowledge society must start early, and the government prioritises to lift the quality in the kindergarten sector.All children shall experience a safe environment for play, development and learning in good quality

Who is responsible for what within the kindergarten sector?

The Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training, the County Governors, the municipalities and kindergarten owners are responsible for kindergartens.

Child Welfare Act

Entry into force: 1 January 2023, 1 July 2023, as determined by the King Download the law: Act relating to child welfare (Child Welfare Act) (PDF)

Recently arrived students must receive quality education within three months

The Storting has adopted temporary legislative amendments as a result of the arrival of displaced people from Ukraine. Children who arrive in Norway must be offered quality education within three months. The municipalities have an obligation to

Revised National Budget: Additional child-related expertise at asylum reception centres

The Norwegian Government proposes allocating NOK 17.2 million in funding to increase child-related expertise at asylum reception centres.

Proposal for temporary amendments to the Child Welfare Act to handle the increase in refugees from Ukraine to Norway

A large number of children are expected to arrive in Norway in the same period of time and many may require help from the child welfare service. The Norwegian Government is proposing necessary adaptations today to prepare the services to receive

NOU 2022: 5 - The Norwegian Government's Management of the Coronavirus Pandemic – Part 2

Summary in English

Consultation regarding adaptations and exemptions from the Child Welfare Act to handle the increase in refugees from Ukraine to Norway

The authorities are now planning for a large number of children to arrive in Norway at the same time. The current dispensation rules allow an increase in people in care centres. The services may become overwhelmed, nevertheless. The Ministry of

Three in ten daycare facilities do not meet educational standards

New figures show that three in ten daycare facilities in Norway do not meet the required educational standards. The government is now initiating work to develop a new strategy to provide children with better daycare provision, which will, among

Divorce and relationship breakdowns

A spouse who does not wish to continue the relationship can apply to the county governor for a separation. After a separation of one year, either of the spouses can apply to the county governor for a divorce.

Child welfare service assistance measures for young persons between 18 and 25 years of age

The objective of providing assistance measures for the 18-25 age group is to give these young persons the necessary help and support during the transition to an independent adult life.

Supervision of foster homes

The municipality where the foster home is located is responsible for supervision of all children in foster homes.

Division of responsibility in the Child Welfare Services

Both the local and central authorities have duties and responsibilities in the child welfare field. The municipality is responsible for performing those functions under the Child Welfare Services Act which are not assigned to a central government

Conditions for marriage

A marriage may be entered into in a church or civil ceremony.

Marriage and relationships

People of the opposite sex or two people of the same sex can enter into a marriage. Marriage has legal consequences for the spouses in a number of areas.

Children and young people’s participation and influence

All children and young people have the opportunity to affect their own daily lives and futures through participation and influence in planning and decision-making processes.

Parenthood (paternity and maternity

The bond between child and parents is fundamental in a person’s life. The parents’ rights and obligations in relation to the child are linked to the legal parenthood. It is therefore important that parenthood is established as early as possible in

Mediation and parental cooperation

Married couples and cohabitants who have children under 16 and who move apart and parents considering legal action may be allowed up to seven hours of free mediation.

Court proceedings concerning parental disputes

Out of regard for the child, it is important that the parents pay attention to the child’s needs, and cooperate well on their role as parents. Research shows that a prolonged high level of conflict in the home may be harmful for children.