Mathea Loen (2025)
The Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism (DIPA)
BLOG: To enhance trust in the Norwegian child protection system, efforts must be made to improve the quality and fairness of case proceedings. To manage that, child protection workers need enough time, resources and competency.
Blog post by Mathea Loen, PhD Candidate at the Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism, Department of Government, University of Bergen
We often hear that the trust in Norwegian child protection is low. Dissatisfaction with the child protection services has been documented through research, and it is evident from stories in the news media, social media, and through widespread demonstrations.[1] At the same time, Norway is ranked among the top countries in the world when it comes to child rights, safety, development, and opportunities.[2] Why is this? How can a country with highly developed institutions, a strong rule of law, and a regard for children as rights-bearers experience legitimacy challenges in its child protection system? How do we understand this paradox, and is there anything one can do to preserve trust?
Read the full article here.