Mette L. Baran

Family Policies in Norway

Norway has become a liberal leader in family policies, gender equality, equal workforce participation, children’s rights and equality, and in supporting sexual equality. This has been supported by money from oil revenues, international involvement/engagement, and domestic policy shifts. While Norway is not perfect, it continues to push forward, such as with its Ombudsman for Children. The Directorate of Children, Youth and Family Affairs handles family policies in Norway. This department is responsible for developing family-life and cohabitation policies as well as legislation affecting children and families. Family affairs policy, family law, and gender equity policy are also managed by the directorate. Current issues impacting family policy in Norway are discussed in this chapter.

Family and Child Welfare in Norway: An Analysis of the Welfare State’s Programs and Services

Norway is one of the leading countries in the world pertaining to family and Child Welfare Services. While there is no umbrella term for family life education programs in place, there are numerous programs and services offered through the publicly funded health-care service system. The Ministry of Children, Equality, and Social Inclusion oversees family services in Norway (Bufetat, Organisasjon. An underlying agency, the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth, and Family Affairs (Bufdir, The Norwegian child welfare services, oversees services pertaining to families and children and is responsible for services relating to child welfare, family counseling, adoption, violence in close relationships, equality, and nondiscrimination. This chapter presents a summary of the child welfare and family programs and services provided by the Norwegian government as part of the public health-care scheme.