What is an ordinary member?
An ordinary member of a tribunal decides cases together with a member with legal qualifications and an expert member. The role of an ordinary member is similar to that of a lay assessor in a court of law.
How many cases will I be required to consider each year as an ordinary member?
You can expect to be selected for 2–3 cases each year.
Can I decline a case if it is inconvenient?
You can be exempt from appearing if health issues or other welfare considerations indicate that you are unable to serve in the case in question. It is important that you give notice as soon as possible if you are summoned for a case and have good reasons why it would be inconvenient to appear.
Am I entitled to time off from work to carry out my duties as an ordinary member?
Cases before the Child Welfare Tribunal are deemed to constitute meetings subject to a statutory attendance requirement. You are therefore entitled to leave of absence pursuant to Section 12-13 of the Working Environment Act.
How long do cases last?
The tribunal's hearings resemble a main hearing in the courts of law. A tribunal hearing will usually last for 1–3 days (in most cases two days).
Will summons from the tribunal come instead of the summons I receive from the courts of law?
No, summons from the Child Welfare Tribunal come in addition to summons received from the courts.
Is it possible that I am disqualified from holding office as an ordinary member?
Persons employed by the municipal child welfare services, the Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufetat), The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir), the Ministry of Children and Families, and the Child Welfare Tribunal are disqualified. Certain other employment relationships could also disqualify you from holding this office. Feel free to contact us by sending an email to alminneligmedlem@bvhn.no if you would like to take on this office, but is uncertain about whether your employment relationship disqualifies you.