Contact with Child Welfare Services

All public employees and professionals bound by confidentiality obligations have a duty to report to child welfare services under Section 13-2 of the Child Welfare Act. This duty applies when there is reason to believe that a child is being or will be subjected to abuse, serious neglect, or other serious conditions in the home. Read more at bufdir.no.


When a child displays problematic or harmful sexual behavior (HSB), child welfare services are often involved. This is usually based on concern about what may underlie the child’s behavior. The causes can be many and complex.

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The investigation phase

When child welfare services receive a report of concern, they must investigate the child’s situation. This is done, among other things, through:

  • conversations with the child and caregivers
  • gathering information from relevant agencies
  • home visits and observations

In cases involving harmful sexual behavior, child welfare services will often investigate whether the child may themselves have been subjected to abuse, violence, or neglect. It may also be important to assess other factors that can affect the child’s situation, such as cognitive difficulties, mental health issues, substance use problems, or family-related stressors. The family’s social and economic situation may also be relevant.

If there is uncertainty as to whether a behavior is concerning or part of normal development, the Traffic Light Model can be used as a tool. The model should be applied contextually, taking into account the child’s age, development, and the situation in which the behavior occurs.

Consultation meeting

It is often recommended that child welfare services take the initiative for a consultation meeting shortly after a concern has been reported, preferably within 1–2 weeks. Relevant participants may include:

  • kindergarten or school
  • Educational and Psychological Service (PPT)
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS/BUP)
  • family counseling services
  • Children’s Advocacy Center (Statens barnehus)

Caregivers may also participate, often in the summary part of the meeting.

The purpose of the consultation meeting is to create a shared understanding of the child’s situation and to establish a foundation for effective safety plans. This can help ensure a safe everyday life for the child going forward, including during the investigation phase.

Relevant collaboration partners

Several agencies may be involved in such cases:

  • the child
  • parents or caregivers
  • kindergarten or school, which knows the child’s daily functioning
  • police, especially if an investigation is ongoing
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS/BUP), which can contribute with assessment and evaluation
  • other services, such as PPT or the general practitioner

Consult specialist environments

Cases involving harmful sexual behavior can be complex. It is therefore recommended to consult professional environments with specific expertise in HSB. Examples include:

  • V27 at BUP Betanien Hospital
  • consultation teams with HSB expertise
  • Regional Resource Centers on Violence, Traumatic Stress, and Suicide Prevention (RVTS)

Such professional support can help ensure that the child receives appropriate assistance and that measures are grounded in sound professional practice.

Measures from child welfare services

Child welfare services can offer supportive measures when a child has a particular need for assistance due to their care situation or their own behavior. Measures are adapted to the child’s and family’s situation and may include:

  • advice and guidance for parents
  • follow-up in the home
  • collaboration with other services

When child welfare services take over care

In some cases, child welfare services may assess that the child cannot remain at home. In such situations, care orders may be implemented. The child may then be placed in:

  • emergency foster care
  • foster homes
  • child welfare institutions

These measures may be operated by municipal, state, non-profit, or private providers. All are subject to the Child Welfare Act and supervision by the County Governor. The goal is always to provide the child with a safe care arrangement that meets their individual needs.

Use of coercion

Child welfare institutions may, in certain situations, use coercive measures in accordance with the regulations on rights. This may include restrictions on freedom of movement or the use of electronic communication.

For young people who display harmful sexual behavior, such restrictions may sometimes be necessary for a period. The use of coercion must always be based on professional assessment and properly documented.

Nettsiden ble sist oppdatert 05.03.26