Purpose and authority

The Act relating to Child Welfare (the Child Welfare Act) allows for the use of coercive measures in certain situations when consideration for children makes such measures necessary. A special public body has been set up to decide in such cases, namely the Child Welfare Tribunal. We are a central government body that resembles a court of law. We employ people with law degrees who meet the qualification requirements for being appointed as a judge. The Child Welfare Tribunal is impartial in relation to the parties and independent in its decision-making.

The Child Welfare Tribunal makes decisions in cases under the Child Welfare Act, the Health and Care Services Act and the Communicable Diseases Control Act. Its consideration of cases is to be fair, sound, swift, efficient and confidence-inspiring. All parties to a case have the right to be heard, to receive equal treatment and to receive necessary guidance. The Child Welfare Tribunal shall ensure that the parties have access to legal assistance if they so wish.

There are twelve tribunals in Norway. The Central Office for the Child Welfare Tribunal deals with the administrative and professional management of the Child Welfare Tribunal, and the Central Office is subordinate to the Ministry of Children and Families.

Updated: 26. June 2023