Barnevernet - problem or support

Some time has passed since the last Radio Wataha Live! with Larysa Kaliuta. It's all because of the crowd work and great interest in the services of a Polish-speaking lawyer from Norway. According to our guest on the air - telephone calls are being cut off and the topics of conversation are mainly issues related to NAV and Barnevernet. We talked about this second institution in our broadcast. Check what the conversation was specifically about!

Should you be afraid of Barnevernet?

According to Larysa Kaliuta, on the one hand, Barnevernet makes terrible mistakes that result in the unjustified removal of children. On the other hand, this institution upholds the safety of children and ensures their right to upbringing and life without violence. First of all, you should not make a decision to leave when you receive a letter from Barnevernet informing you about the need to hold the meeting.

Read our next article: Barnevernet in Norway - what do we need to know?

When may Barnevernet want a meeting?

Norwegians react to any situation in which they perceive a child's abnormal behavior. This may apply, for example, to the moment when she comes back after holidays sad, although so far she has shown completely different behavior. Teachers and school staff may submit a "denunciation" to Barnevernet, containing their concerns. This institution is obliged to call the parents to explain the circumstances of such behavior of the child.

How to behave in a meeting?

Once you receive a summons calling for a meeting with Barnevernet, first of all, you should not decide to leave Norway. You should go to this meeting, and there is one basic rule - it is worth being open. Commencing cooperation and calmly explaining all the circumstances and allegations contained in the notification is a way to resolve the situation. Barnevernet, seeing the parents' willingness to cooperate, has no grounds to initiate proceedings aimed at taking the child away. You also don't have to worry if you don't know Norwegian well. You can take a friend to the meeting who will act as an interpreter. You can also ask Barnevernet for a person who will help in communication with this institution.

Barnevernet - problem or support? It is worth asking for help from Barnevernet

One fundamental point should also be underlined. Each family has the right to ask Barnevernet for help if there are any problems related to their children. It is very rare for a child to be picked up, but establishing cooperation with this institution may help solve problematic situations. Participation in the support system will also be a strong argument in the event that third parties submit a notification of abnormalities in the family. Barnevernet will know that there are problems in a given family that the parents themselves have asked for.

Help for single mothers

It is worth mentioning that Barnevernet implemented a support system for single mothers. It is enough for such a woman to report to this institution asking for help. It is possible to assign a person who will come to look after the children at certain times so that a single mother can go out, for example, do shopping or meet friends. The purpose of such activities is to ensure the rest and psychological comfort of such a woman. All this so that there are no educational problems.

There are controversial situations

However, Barnevernet has the right to collect the child in the escort of the police without giving any reason. They are then obliged to inform their parents about this fact. It comes to this when Barnevernet and the police suspect that there is violence in the family. Then the child can be picked up even at school, and the parents are summoned for questioning. Only then is it decided whether the case goes to a family court. If no violations are found, the case is discontinued and the child is restored to the parents.

They took my baby - what next?

Although legal assistance in cases related to Barnevernet is free in Norway, it is not worth using it right away. As soon as you are informed about the pick-up of your child, you should first go to that institution to establish a dialogue. Resorting to the help of a lawyer only results in more resolute actions on the part of officials. They then have a suspicion that the parents have something to hide, since they do not want to explain the problems personally, and they engage a lawyer for the matter. His services should be used as soon as the case is brought to a family court.

Find out more - watch the broadcast!

Barnevernet - problem or support? Have questions? Contact Larysa Kaliuta!

Just write an email. Larysa Kaliuta is a Polish-speaking lawyer with Norwegian education. He is well versed in law, including family matters. If you have any questions or concerns, write or call:

• Phone: (0047) 46 23 26 26
• Email: [email protected]