The Child Protection Systems in Denmark and Norway

Abstract

This chapter expounds on Denmark and Norway’s child protection systems being developed parallel to the development of the social democratic welfare state. Both countries’ child protection systems have family-service-oriented systems that are centered around children’s rights and needs. In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, European Council and Court of Human Rights, the basic principle of child protection systems consists of birth parents raising children or state intervention if risks are apparent. Out-of-home care will be taken if in-home services are inappropriate. Additionally, Denmark and Norway’s assessment of children’s welfare range between material well-being, health, safety, education, behaviour, risks, housing, and environment.