Childhood, Family and Child Welfare

Not everyone grows up under safe and adequate conditions. For those who do not, there is an increased risk of continuing to find oneself in situations of vulnerability later on in life.

Different services within the Norwegian welfare apparatus have a responsibility for identifying and assisting children and young people at risk. These complex tasks demand a high level of updated knowledge on the services as well as on the circumstances of children and families in need of assistance. Our research provides such knowledge.

We direct attention to the welfare services’ and judiciary system’s relevance to the rights and needs of children, as well as to a diversity of family expectations and environments. Our research topics include the child welfare services, children and families from minority and majority backgrounds, children with disabilities, and circumstances of domestic violence.